Getting Into Business School: MBA Podcaster Blog

Question From Listener: How to Respond to Wharton Interview Question

2011-09-21T12:21:00.000-07:00

We recently received an email from a listener about Wharton's interview question "What can you bring to the table?":

Q:
Dear MBA Podcaster,
I am applying for Wharton's MBA program and in the interview I've heard that they will ask me what I can bring to the table as part of Wharton's incoming class. Kindly provide me the answer.

A:
We cannot that answer for you but we can point you in the right direction to search yourself for the right answer.
This is a question that is totally unique to you and your background. What makes you special? It's hard to answer because you know yourself so well that usually nothing stands out as being unique or unusual. But delve deeper, what do you think you have you done or accomplished that you can offer to other classmates? Do you have a strong background in a particular area of interest (ie: finance, non-profit, maybe it’s volunteering, maybe you’re a comedian on the side). Whatever your passions are and your experience can be interesting to your fellow classmates and school. Maybe you don't have a particular passion but you do notice you operate different that others. Maybe it’s simply that you organize projects and get things done. So if you join clubs and groups your peers can count on you to make sure the group has a plan and the plan is executed. Maybe you're extremely creative and you think you can help organize the best Wharton Follies the school has ever seen. Similar to a job interview where you know you're competing against others for the job and you'll try to stand out in your interview think of the Wharton interview in the same way. Think about unique parts of your personality and experiences that you want to bring to life for the admission committee and use this essay or interview to convey the message.

For more info on Wharton applications and essays be sure to check our "Getting Into Wharton" video
http://www.mbapodcaster.com/business-schools/wharton-business-school.asp?iEpisode=112

Featuring

Kofi Kankam, director of Admit Advantage
Kathryn Bezella, Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Wharton
Phillip Foxworthy, Wharton MBA Class of 2011
Elan Wang, Wharton MBA Class of 2010

Also, for a free candidate assessment of your chances at Wharton contact our partners at Admit Advantage:

admitadvantage.com or email podcaster@admitadvantage.com

Pick the MBA Fair That's Right For You

2011-08-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

MBA Tour season is officially here. There are some fantastic events happening all around the world and online so there's no excuse to not chat one-on-one with your top schools. Here's a summary of the top tours happening now.

What: ACCESS MBA TOUR

Why We Like It: You pick the schools you want to meet with, your resume will be pre-screened by the school and Access MBA and if you're a fit you will be selected to sit down one-on-one with admission's reps from the schools you pick. Very well represented by international schools.
Where: All across Europe, Middle East, Asia and South America
Cost: Free
When: September through December
Etc: Access MBA events also offer prospective MBA students personalized services such as one-to-one meetings and workshops with the world's best MBA programs, interactive panel discussions with school representative, individual MBA consulting sessions and GMAT advising.

What: The Economist's Which MBA? MBA Fair

Why We Like It: This is the best virtual MBA Fair available. The Economist has put together an interactive web platform that's easy and fun to use and where you can virtually chat one-on-one with admission's reps.
Where: At your nearest computer
Cost: Free
When: 48 hours from September 7th - 8th 2011
Etc: Talk to admissions officers one-on-one and in chat sessions, broaden your perspective and learn more about diverse MBA programs, gain insight into the MBA experience from webinars, videos and downloads. You could win a FREE iPad 2 when you log in and visit 5+ school booths

What: FORTE FORUMS

Why We Like It: Intended for women, this forum is a great way to network with high profilers from top schools and make an impression in a less crowded environment. Also, the events are well attended by alumnae who are now working at top companies across the country so it's a chance to also make a
connection for a summer internship.
Where: All across the United States plus London
Cost: Free for pre-registrants
When: September 13 - October 4th, 2011
Etc: As a special offer to MBA Podcaster users, Forte Foundation is offering half-off Premium Membership to those who register for a Forum, a $25 value. Upon registering, you'll be sent a link to sign up for discounted membership along with the promotion code.

What: THE MBA TOUR

Why We Like It: You'll find the largest number of schools, and the most top ranked schools, in a traditional tour environment. Walk the floor, shake hands with the full time admission staff members present and discuss your questions or application.
Where: All over the world, upcoming tours are in Latin America, Asia, India, Europe and Canada
Cost: Free for pre-registrants
When: Now - ongoing
Etc: Schools include Columbia, Cornell, University of Chicago, INSEAD, HEC, IE, Kellogg, Michigan - Ross, University of Maryland, Schulich, McGill, UBC and many others.

What: KAPLAN'S ROAD TO BUSINESS SCHOOL

Why We Like It: Kaplan has done an impressive job of breaking into the MBA touring world. They've put together an impressive list of schools including Stanford, Chicago Booth, Haas, Kellogg, Tuck, Duke Fuqua, IMD, INSEAD and many others.

Where: Across the United States

Cost: Free for pre-registrants

When: Ends August 23, 2011

Etc: Events include breakout sessions for GMAT training, admissions strategy and happy hours hosted by various schools.

For more resources, check out some videos and podcasts we have all about making the most of the tours:
Making the Most of the MBA Tours and Fairs
Series of Podcasts for Special Considerations for International Applicants Including Latin America, Asia, India and Canada
More info on how tours run, formats, presentations, and how to prepare

Happy Touring!

Listener Question: Is Engineering & an MBA a Good Combo?

2011-06-08T10:24:00.000-07:00

Today we received an email question from a listener about the viability of an MBA for Engineers:

Question:

Is engineering+MBA a good combination?

Most of the students who speak in the videos(How to get into....) have worked in the management field. But since I am going to do engineering I will have no such experiences.How is that going to work against me?

What is the average number of students with a science background admitted to the top business schools every year?

-A. Gogoi

Answer:
Without a doubt the answer is YES, business schools love engineers. They love the way you think, your quantitative skills, your work experience, and the real world experience you can share in the classroom. The difficulty for engineers is in their application. They may do well on the GMAT but some engineers can't tell their story in a personable way in their essays. They may come across as too technical and not fully grasping why they need an MBA and why they're applying to chosen school. Business schools like to see that engineers are real people too, and want to get to know you, the person behind the engineer, in the application.

We've dedicated a full podcast to the subject of MBAs for Engineers and our guests do a great job of explaining how to tackle the essays, recommendations and application as a whole for engineers. Be sure to listen to this one:
http://www.mbapodcaster.com/MBA_MoreInfo/mba-for-engineers.asp?iEpisode=95

Guests:

Beth Flye, Assistant Dean and Director of Admissions and Financial Aid, Kellogg School of Management
Karla Krause, student, MIT Leaders for Global Operations Program
Iker Marcaide, student, MIT Leaders for Global Operations Program
Betsy Massar, Founder and CEO, Master Admissions
Don Rosenfield, Director of the dual-degree MIT Leaders for Global Operations Program
Margo Villadelgado, Student, Kellogg School of Management

Is the MBA Obsolete?

2011-02-23T10:04:00.000-08:00

Today we're sharing an excellent article from IMD business school about the role of the MBA degree in the global marketplace and its relevance in teaching students what they need to be successful on the job.

Is the MBA Obsolete? Maybe, unless it changes

By IMD Professor Martha Maznevski - February 2011

The world is more complex today than ever. Is the MBA still a good way to prepare business leaders in this new world?

Much has been said about the role of greed in creating our recent financial crisis. Indeed, many managers were motivated to get the most for themselves in the short term. But most managers were simply unprepared to anticipate the impact of their decisions in a more complex world. Often overlooked, the economic downturn of the last couple of years was also a crisis of naiveté. Whether MBA programs can teach ethics and responsibility is already in doubt. Are MBA programs up to the bigger challenge of developing leaders who can manage complexity as well?

Today’s complexity comes from enormous levels of interdependence, variety and flux. Flows of financial capital and goods move relatively freely – what happens in one place increasingly impacts other locations. House prices in the US influence interest rates in Europe, which influence the price of exports and companies’ ability to invest in capital expenditure. China’s growth influences commodity prices worldwide, which re-distributes jobs and ancillary industries from Australia through Africa and into the Americas. Variety is created by advances in communications and technology. Supply chain logistics involve choosing among almost infinite combinations of manufacturing, assembling and transporting from and to different locations. Workforces are more diverse – multi-functional, cross-boundary teams increase the variety even in how we work. The combinations of interdependence and variety are constantly in flux, so even if you understand and optimize today, the best actions tomorrow might be different.

Recent findings on leadership development are discouraging for typical MBA programs in this ever more complex world. To build knowledge and skills that “stick” and lead to effective performance, experience and learning on the job are much more important than “academic” book or class learning. To create tacit knowledge – knowledge about how things work in context – you need experience. For executive development, companies are moving actively back to the old notions of apprenticeship and mentorship.

However, we must take this research with a grain of salt. If it were just about experience, then every manager with experience would be able to lead in complexity. And we know that is not the case. Formal learning processes can provide a significant multiplier for the experience effect by connecting knowledge and action in two important ways. First is to connect them in cycles, with knowledge leading to planning and action, then observation of what happened leading to reflection and more knowledge. We’ve known this classic learning cycle since the advent of cognitive and developmental psychology in the mid-20th century. The more complex the knowledge, the more important it is to go through these cycles actively and frequently. The second multiplier comes from engaging in learning cycles that are systematically different from each other in terms of context, not just the same context over and over again. Learners need to compare across contexts to develop a repertoire of knowledge and skills that are universal (work across contexts), contingent (dependent on the context), and the critical ability to differentiate what’s universal from what’s contingent.

If MBA programs are to develop judgement and the ability to manage complexity for sustainable impact, they must incorporate these two learning principles for connecting knowledge and action. Sitting in a classroom is useful only when it prepares learners for action, and action should be connected with reflection and further formal knowledge-building. From day one, MBA programs should therefore incorporate real-life experiences, such as real-impact projects with companies, integrating these experiences into the curriculum rather than having them as standalone courses (or worse, electives). Moreover, MBA programs should include many such experiences, and should structure them to cover a spectrum of company sizes and stages, industries, and economic and cultural contexts. The program should help learners to compare and contrast their different experiences, developing the ability to read situations and draw from a repertoire of responses. A real MBA should in essence mean “guided on the job leadership training.”

Incidentally, these principles are important not just for developing the ability to manage complexity, but also to address those elusive leadership attitudes and values such as ethics and responsibility. Learning to best lead with courage and integrity in tough situations occurs as a result of having faced those situations and reflected on them through dialogue. We learn to lead others effectively by working through difficult processes with people who are different from us. And we learn best how to lead change with informal influence by engaging in these processes actively and observing the results. In fact, using experiential learning principles to address these two sets of “soft skills” – leading responsibly and managing in complexity – at the same time, develops leaders who have the ability to make wise choices and implement them successfully.

These principles are not easy to implement in formal, structured learning environments. By integrating action learning throughout an MBA program, you open it up to loss of control and unpredictability. What if the company doesn’t cooperate? What if students don’t do a good job? What if our contact changes, and the new person doesn’t want to work with us? What if their timing is different from ours? Live companies and managers are notoriously more difficult to manage than textbooks and cases are, and as professors we prefer to have our knowledge tied up neatly.

If the MBA is not to become obsolete, it must be structured to match the needs of the new, complex environment. We must embrace the same level of complexity within our schools as we see in the environment, and we must learn to open ourselves up as real cases and examples. If business schools are prepared to live what we teach, then MBA programs can become even more valuable. The opportunity is enormous – if we do build these principles into our programs, we develop leaders who make a positive difference to our future. Isn’t it worth it?

IMD Professor Martha Maznevski directs IMD’s MBA program. Learn more about IMD’s re-designed .

THE SIX MONTH COUNTDOWN TO THE LONGER, MORE COMPLEX GRE IS ON

2011-02-03T11:48:00.000-08:00

If you're planning to take the GRE instead of or in addition to the GMAT, you should act quickly! In just 6 months the vastly revised GRE test will be launching. One very important point that test takers need to keep in mind: Because ETS, the exam’s administrator, needs to collect a statistically significant sample size of test takers to ensure score accuracy of the new test, test takers who take the exam in August, September and October won’t receive their official scores back until November – meaning they’ll have to wait up to 3 months for their official scores. This will force many to miss application deadlines, and create undue stress for scrambling to retest if they’re not happy with their scores. If you need your score before November, you must take the current GRE before July. Thanks to Kaplan for reminding us of this looming deadline and their contribution below:

THE SIX MONTH COUNTDOWN TO THE LONGER,
MORE COMPLEX GRE® IS ON

Time is Running Out for More Than 600,000 Aspiring Graduate and Business School Students to Take the Current GRE® and Guarantee Scores Back Before 2012 Application Deadlines

New York, NY (February 3, 2011) - In six months, aspiring graduate school and business school students will face a vastly different and more difficult GRE® – one that will be about an hour longer than the current exam. Beginning August 1, the new GRE® will feature the following major changes:

The current 200 to 800 point scoring scale, in ten-point increments, will be replaced by a scoring scale of 130 to 170 points, in one-point increments.
The Quantitative section will include less geometry, but more data analysis. It will also introduce Numeric Entry questions, where test takers must provide an answer without having a selection of choices from which to choose.
An on-screen calculator will be available for test takers, which will likely mean more complex math problems.
The new GRE’s® Verbal section won’t include antonym and analogy questions, but will include in-context questions that test reasoning skills, in addition to vocabulary.
The new GRE® will also contain a new “strengthen/weaken” reading comprehension question type, similar to those on the GMAT – the primary admissions exam for business schools.
The current GRE® is adaptive at the question-level: answer a question correctly, and the next question is more difficult. The new GRE® will be adaptive at the section level: the better a test taker performs in one section, the more difficult the next section will be.
This new format will also allow test takers to skip questions within a section and come back to them, a function not available on the current test.

“Application deadlines are a key consideration for students deciding whether to take the current GRE® or the new one. Because ETS, the exam’s administrator, needs to collect a statistically significant sample size of test takers to ensure score accuracy of the new test, test takers who take the exam in August, September or October won’t receive their official scores back until November – meaning they’ll have to wait up to 3 months for their official scores. This will force many to miss application deadlines, and create undue stress for scrambling to retest if they’re not happy with their scores. If you need your score before November, you must take the current GRE® before July,” said Liza Weale, executive director of pre-business and pre-graduate programs, Kaplan Test Prep. “Our advice to students: if you can take the current GRE®, do so – it’s to your advantage.”

Weale notes that it’s important to sign up for a seat for the current GRE® as soon as possible, since exam administrations are likely to fill up quickly as more applicants understand the implications of the new exam. She also points out that GRE® scores are valid for five years.

According to Kaplan Test Prep’s 2010 survey of graduate school admissions officers at top programs across the United States, a GRE® score is the most important admissions factor, ahead of an applicant’s undergraduate GPA, work experience, letters of recommendation and personal statement.

---------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks to Kaplan for contributing this article and for giving MBA Podcaster listeners a discount on their GMAT and GRE classes. For more on the GMAT vs GRE check out our video.

2011 MBA Applicants: Get a Jump Start on Your Applications!

2011-01-13T11:00:00.000-08:00

Thinking of applying to business school this year? Now is the time to get started! Kick off your application process with Kaplan's upcoming "Business School Blueprint" Seminars.

Business School Blueprint 2011 – featuring First Annual MBA Night

January 23-27, 2011

Join Kaplan GMAT for four 90-minute intensive, live online sessions and one in-person meet-and-greet with alumni. Get advice and strategies from our GMAT and b-school admissions experts–from anywhere you have an internet connection. Then connect in person in one of 15 cities at an informal meet-and-greet with MBA alumni. Decide whether to pursue an MBA; map out the perfect application; assess your resume; scope out GMAT preparation; and meet with alums from top business schools.

Click HERE to register for any of the four complimentary events in the Business School Blueprint series.

Topics include:

Business School – Why and Where to Go - Brought to you by Forte Foundation
The Perfect B School Application - with Jeremy Shinewald, Founder, mbaMission
Assessing (and Improving) your Resume - with Andrea Sparrey, Principal, Sparrey Consulting
100 Hours: a GMAT Study Plan

Thanks to Kaplan for hosting these complimentary sessions. For more about Kaplan's Test Prep services, including special MBA Podcaster discounts, visit: http://www.kaptest.com/mbapodcaster

Question from a Listener: Is an MBA Worth It?

2011-01-11T09:16:00.000-08:00

We recently received a note from a listener asking us about the value of an MBA. We really enjoy hearing your personal stories and questions. If you have a pressing issue regarding business school, email us at info@mbapodcaster.com and we'll do our best to provide you with the right advice.

Question:

Hello. While browsing the web, I landed on your fabulous and informational website. I am writing this email to seek suggestions and guidance from you in terms of pursuing a MBA degree. I have been contemplating over the past few months in terms of my future career path and the direction to proceed. I have a technology background (MS in Electrical and Computer Engineering) and currently out of the workforce due to family commitments but have 5+ years of solid technology related experience. My struggle has been to look for a career change with interests in economics, research/analysis and portfolio management. I do recognize the benefits and opportunities with an MBA but am weighing the time/cost aspect with respect to other options (if any) to make a career change. Would you have guidance for somebody like me to think through the pros/cons and how to proceed with firming up an assessment to do MBA?

Our answer:

Your analysis will depend on several factors, including: what are your post-MBA goals and what is the market for that career? What are the salary ranges? what are your current job prospects and how will those prospects change if you get an MBA at a school that you believe you will be accepted into (ie: an MBA grad from Harvard has different career prospects versus an MBA from a tier III MBA program, in general. Be realistic about where you think you can get into); what is the income differences between your current career prospects and your post MBA career?;

You need to take the time to really figure out what the MBA degree will do for you at this point in your life/career and see if the payoff makes sense. Usually it does payoff but you have to make sure the school you'll get into can help place you in a career you're interested in, specially if you are changing careers. If you can't get into a Top Tier MBA program this diligence on post-graduation career placement becomes even more vital. Feel free to be direct with the schools you're interested in and ask them the tough questions about how they've been able to place graduates in careers you're interested in, ask to talk to alumni in your chosen career, ask for the data. This will help you choose the right school for you as well if you decide to pursue it.

These tough decisions are discussed in further length in these two podcasts:

1. Is an MBA Necessary?

http://www.mbapodcaster.com/MBA_MoreInfo/MBANecessary.asp?iEpisode=19

2. MBA ROI

http://www.mbapodcaster.com/MBA_MoreInfo/MBAROI.asp?iEpisode=25

Good luck!

Some schools say applicants who submit GMAT over GRE have advantage

2010-12-03T16:28:00.000-08:00

Hello MBA Podcaster fans! We wanted to share some interesting new info from the recent Kaplan Test Prep Survey about the current business school admissions market.

Kaplan Test Prep Survey: Growing Number of Business Schools Accept the GRE – but Nearly a Third of Those Who Do Say Applicants Who Submit a GMAT Score Have
an Admissions Advantage

Also in Survey: 78% of MBA Programs Predict an
Increase in Applications This Cycle

New York, NY (December 1, 2010) - According to Kaplan Test Prep’s 2010 survey of business school admissions officers*, the GRE is making significant headway in gaining acceptance at business schools: 39% of the 288 business schools surveyed say their program now allows an applicant to submit a GRE score instead of a GMAT score, compared to 24% last year. Of the schools that report being GMAT-only, 75% have no plans to consider accepting the GRE. Survey respondents included 22 of the top 30 business schools, as listed in U.S. News & World Report’s ‘Best Business Schools’ 2010 edition.

But even as more MBA programs accept the GRE, the exam required by most non-business school graduate programs, the GMAT maintains an edge in perception among MBA admissions officers. While 65% of respondents who accept scores from either test say there is no advantage to applicants submitting one over the other, 32% say applicants who submit a GMAT score have an advantage over those who submit a GRE score. Applicants seem to be aware of the perception – of the business programs that accept the GRE, 69% report that fewer than 1 in 10 applicants actually submitted a GRE score instead of a GMAT score this past admissions cycle.

“While the GRE is gaining acceptance among business schools, it’s still fairly new to the MBA admissions process and programs are not in a hurry to embrace it due to its lack of history in predicting business school performance. Additionally, many business schools are satisfied with the GMAT’s predictive ability.” said Liza Weale, executive director of pre-business and graduate programs, Kaplan Test Prep. “But there’s currently a bit of an arms race between the two tests, with both making changes to be more reflective of the critical thinking necessary in business school and, in the case of the GRE, in graduate school. The GRE is rolling out significant changes to its content, design, scoring and format next August, while the GMAT will be adding a new integrated reasoning section in June 2012. For the time being, we recommend that prospective MBAs take the GMAT, not the GRE, since doing so will provide candidates with more options for business school, and it may even give them an extra edge in the admissions process.”

The business school admissions process will likely become increasingly competitive – 78% of business schools surveyed predict an increase in the number of applicants for the current cycle.

Other in the Kaplan Test Prep survey:

A Low GMAT or GRE Score is the Biggest Application Killer: 48% of the admissions officers surveyed report that a low GMAT or GRE score is the biggest application killer; a low undergraduate GPA placed second at 33%; lack of relevant work experience followed at 10%.
New GMAT Section: When asked about their views on the integrated reasoning section that will be added to the GMAT in June 2012, 47% of admissions officers have a neutral view, while 31% consider it a positive development. In response to a question regarding their views on the difficulty of the revised test, 42% don’t think the new section – which is meant to measure examinees’ data analysis and balanced decision-making skills that are important for success in business –will make the exam any harder, but 21% think it will.
High Standardized Test Score = Money for Business School: 89% say a strong standardized test score will help a student receive merit-based scholarships.
Social Networking: 66% of admissions officers report that an applicant has sent them or a colleague in their admissions office a LinkedIn networking request. 9% of admissions officers say they have visited an applicant’s social networking page to help them evaluative their candidacy.

For more information about Kaplan Test Prep’s survey on the business school admissions landscape or to schedule an interview with a Kaplan expert, please contact Russell Schaffer at russell.schaffer@kaplan.com or 212.453.7538.

*The survey was conducted by phone in July and August 2010 and included responses from 288 of the nation’s top MBA programs, including 22 of the top 30 – as designated by U.S. News & World Report. Kaplan Test Prep also annually conducts surveys of admissions officers at colleges, graduate schools, law schools and medical schools.

About Kaplan Test Prep

Kaplan Test Prep (www.kaptest.com), a division of Kaplan, Inc., is a premier provider of educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses. Established in 1938, Kaplan is the world leader in the test prep industry. With a comprehensive menu of online offerings and a complete array of books, Kaplan offers preparation for more than 90 standardized tests, including entrance exams for secondary school, college and graduate school, as well as English language and professional licensing exams. Kaplan also provides private tutoring and graduate admissions consulting services.

# # #

With Tough Job Market, Grad Schools Expect Another Surge in Applicants

2010-11-14T15:51:00.000-08:00

Interesting facts from a Nov. 9 press release from Kaplan...

Kaplan Test Prep Survey: With Tough Job Market, Grad Schools
Expect Another Surge in Applicants

Also in Survey: Majority of Programs Haven’t Yet Planned for
GRE Change in August 2011

New York, NY (November 9, 2010) - According to a new Kaplan Test Prep survey of graduate school admissions officers at 108 top programs across the United States*, the admissions process will likely become increasingly competitive – 78% predict an increase in the number of applicants for the current cycle. This comes on the heels of an announcement made earlier this year by ETS – the administrator of the GRE, the admissions exam required by most graduate programs – that in 2009, global registration for the exam topped 675,000, a 9% increase over the prior year.

“The past couple of years have been hard for college graduates trying to enter the workforce for the first time, as well as for working professionals looking to change careers or bounce back after layoffs, which has made graduate school an appealing destination for both groups,” said Liza Weale, executive director of pre-business and pre-graduate programs, Kaplan Test Prep. “An increase in applications will result in an even more competitive admissions process, making it imperative for aspiring graduate students to put together a strong application. A graduate degree remains an important tool for job applicants seeking to be more marketable and can serve as a strong hedge against unemployment.”

The survey also shows that even with the vastly changed GRE set to launch in August 2011, 81% of graduate schools have still not developed a transitional policy with regard to accepting scores from the current GRE or the new one. And although the exam’s administrator says the new exam was created to make it a better predictor of student success in graduate school, 77% of admissions officers surveyed don’t know if it will be, based on the information they know. The GRE’s administrator also says the new test will have a new format, new scoring scale and new question types; that it will be about an hour longer than the current GRE; and that there will be stricter limitations around the frequency of taking it.

“The new GRE will be dramatically different – there is a lot of uncertainty among both test takers and the graduate school community,” added Weale. “While it’s safe to say most graduate programs will develop a transitional policy over time, we advise students to take the GRE before it changes, since scores are good for five years, and avoid the mystery if they can. Prospective students who want to apply for a graduate program with fall 2011 deadlines should take the current GRE because scores from the first administrations of the new test in August, September and October won’t be released until late November – too late for most fall 2011 application deadlines.”

Other key Kaplan survey results:

GRE Most Important Admissions Factor: 30% of the admissions officers surveyed report that an applicant’s GRE score is the most important admissions factor, followed by undergraduate GPA at 26%. Work experience followed at 16%.
High GRE Score = Money for Grad School: 66% say a strong GRE score will help a student receive merit-based scholarships, teaching assistantships or grants.
Directly from College to Grad School: Compared to two years ago, 53% report an increase in the number of students applying directly from college.
Not Friending or Recruiting via Facebook: Only 42% of schools use Facebook to recruit prospective students; only 2% say they’ve ever visited an applicant’s social networking page.

For more information about the graduate school admissions process and the new GRE or to schedule an interview with a Kaplan expert, please contact Russell Schaffer at russell.schaffer@kaplan.com or 212.453.7538.

*The survey was conducted by phone in August 2010 and included responses from 108 of the top 200 graduate programs – as designated by U.S. News & World Report – in education, engineering, psychology and public administration. Kaplan also conducts surveys of admissions officers at colleges, business schools, law schools and medical schools.

###

Admission to Top B-Schools is Now Easier

2010-10-25T13:49:00.000-07:00

In a previous post, I mentioned that the GMAC has reported a higher number of Executive MBA applications this year. However, there is a flip side to that coin. Apparently, the number of full-time MBA applications to many of the nation's top business schools is down this year. 47% of surveyed schools reported a decrease in applications. That means these schools are becoming a little less selective when choosing who to accept. They are accepting a higher percentage of applicants. When you compare applications rates to 2008, it seems obvious that the numbers would not be as high. 2008 saw the peak of MBA applications due to the intensity of the recession causing many newly out-of-work individuals to go back to school. That trend seems to have run its course.

According to a recent BusinessWeek article, the following full-time MBA programs admitted a significantly larger percentage of applicants in 2010 than in 2008:

University of Michigan's Ross School of Business
UCLA Anderson School of Management
Indiana University's Kelley School of Business
University of Maryland's Smith School of Business

One reason for fewer applications may be due to the fact that those with jobs are choosing to keep them with the recession going on for so long. "When the economy is down too long, people hunker down in their jobs. That could mean fewer applications for graduate business schools," said Brian T. Lohr, director of MBA admissions at Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business.

That supports the statistic behind a growing number of EMBA applications - more people are trying to juggle business school while keeping their current job. I certainly don't disagree with that logic. While there are definite pros to attending a full-time MBA program, it's hard to go back to school and give up the comfort of a regular salary for two years. So if you are the type of person that can juggle both, I applaud you!

A Wild Ride Indeed

2010-10-22T11:08:00.000-07:00

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was in my living room, jumping up and down with excitement for being awarded this Kaplan GMAT course. (If you're new to this blog and don't know how I won or why I even want an MBA, click here to read the essay I submitted.)

Now, it is mid-October and my dream of getting an MBA is several steps closer. It has been a wild ride indeed.

But before I get all mushy, let me share a few post-class-perks that Kaplan puts in the mix:

- There are two extra weeks of assignments so that I can stay on track and maintain the rhythm that I've started.

- I can use their online resources for another FOUR WEEKS! That's huge. That means I can access extra quizzes, tests, on-demand videos, short recaps of lessons, past test scores and problems, etc.

- Gene and Travis are still available. Though I won't be seeing them on a weekly basis, we now have a special Kaplan connection. Both of them are ready and willing to entertain any GMAT questions. This will be huge.

- Kaplan's guaruntee. Kaplan has an incredible policy. If I'm not satisfied with my final CATs OR if I don't feel ready for the test, I can retake the class for free. That is really amazing. (Note: If your experience is really bad, they'll even refund your money.)

As for next steps, I'm actually going to wait until the first week of December to take the exam. Though this is outside of the four week timeline that Kaplan recommends, it will give me some time to really focus on some incredibly weak areas on my part (i.e: Advanced Math Problems).

Let me take these last lines to sincerely thank MBA Podcaster, Kaplan, Gene, Travis, and my classmates for an incredible experience. I have been so blessed and encouraged by their generosity and support. This opportunity has not only given me academic tools, but it has also added excitement and energy for what's to come. Thanks for being a huge part of this season of my life.

If anyone has any further questions about the Kaplan course, GMAT, my social-good venture, my role as a youth pastor, or anything else, feel free to contact me by email at gmatwith@me.com

Keep going. Keep studying. Keep dreaming.

Sincerely,

Victor Saad

www.the-prop.org

2010 Application Trends: EMBA Applications Up, Full-Time Down

2010-10-11T09:09:00.000-07:00

According to the Graduate Management Admission Council's most recent report on application trends, applications for EMBA programs were significantly higher in 2010. About 60% of EMBA programs reported a higher number of applications, which is up from 37% the year prior. The video below from GMAC provides a full explanation.

This was not the case, however for full-time programs. The average number of applications for full-time, two year MBA programs declined overall by about 2% this year. Below is a list of the top 20 most popular MBA programs ranked by number of applications this year:

Business School	Applications	Seats Available
1. Harvard Business School	9,524*	910
2. Stanford	7,536	385
3. Columbia	6,885	740
4. Pennsylvania (Wharton)	6,819*	860
5, Northwestern (Kellogg)	5,587*	635
6. MIT (Sloan)	4,782*	400
7. New York (Stern)	4,625	370
8. Chicago (Booth)	3,843	590
9. Berkeley (Haas)	3,626*	240
10. Duke (Fuqua)	3,506*	450
11. UCLA (Anderson)	3,041	360
12. Dartmouth (Tuck)	2,573*	260
13. Yale	2,790	225
14. Michigan (Ross)	2,697	500
15. Virginia (Darden)	2,689	310
16. Texas-Austin (McCombs)	2,284	260
17. USC (Marshall)	2,224	220
18. Cornell (Johnson)	2,002*	275
19. UNC (Kenan-Flagler)	1,873	300
20. Georgetown (McDonough)	1,729	250

An asterisk indicates that the number applies for the full-time Class of 2012 entering this fall. All other numbers are for the previous year.

Getting Behind

2010-10-11T08:41:00.000-07:00

This Thursday will be our final class session. I can't believe it is almost here! We have had an intense 9 weeks as a class, and I'm really looking forward to seeing the overall impact it will have on my score.

But, before I get too far ahead of myself, I need to let you know that there is a lot of homework with these courses, so be prepared. If you have a full time job with students, are in the middle of moving to a new place, starting a non-profit, and trying to maintain a family and social life, then anticipate a few missed assignments. Trust me, I know.

So, I need to kick it into gear to get caught up. Here are a few lesson I'm learning (the hard way) to stay on top of studying for the GMAT:

1.) Set a schedule. Don't just say, "I'm going to study on Saturday," name specific times. Make it an appointment on your calendar, and stick to it. So, look ahead on your calendar for the next several weeks and decide what your study days/times will be.

2.) Study sessions don't need to be 3 hours long. I thought that every time I sat down with my Kaplan materials, I needed to be hard at work for at least 2-3 hours. This is grueling and may not always be helpful. Squeeze in 30 minutes over lunch, an hour after dinner, 45 minutes in the morning. This will help keep your mind on task and thinking through the details of the GMAT throughout your day.

3.) Set a test date and register. I haven't done this yet, but I know that I want to take the test in mid-November. So, this week it will be approximately four weeks from test day. I need to register. And even though I'm really nervous, the pressure of a test date and the feeling of a lighter wallet ($250 to take the exam) will force me to focus on the test.

4.) Be realistic. Chances are that you're not going to wake up at 4am to study for the test. Though I have done that on several occasions, it probably is not sustainable for most people. So, find when the times that your mind is the sharpest and then LET GO of something else that you do during that time. It has cost me some exercise and some travel during these fall months, but I knew that I would have to give up something to make it work. Thankfully it's getting colder and I can put these love handles to good use.

Also, the good news is that Kaplan lets you have full access to the resources for one month after the course is complete. This also includes email conversations with the instructor and the TA. So, if you get behind on the CATs or other assignments, you can space them out and see your progress even after the course is over. (Phew!)

That's it for now! Keep studying and let me know if you have any questions or comments along the way.

Thanks!

Victor

www.the-prop.org

A Kaplan screenshot

2010-10-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

This week's post is a simple screen shot of the Kaplan Online Course. I've also explained a few key areas of the way it is set up.

If you have any questions, just leave them in the comments.

Thanks for joining me on this ride.

Keep studying!

Victor

www.the-prop.org

A Good Online Instructor

2010-09-26T15:56:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it. I have yet to introduce you to my Kaplan GMAT Instructor. So, let me give you a brief introduction of the man behind the class, Gene Suhir. He has a been an absolute joy to work with. Why? I think I've narrowed it down to five reasons:

1.) Humor: Gene interjects some much needed comic relief in the middle of a 2 1/2 hour class session. His witty comments, funny responses to students, and ability to make fun of the GMAT's quirks, helps make the class move along and helps us all not to take ourselves too seriously.

2.) Knowledge: Gene knows his stuff. He has taken the GMAT and trained lots of people on how to take it well. This is evident by his ability to take large concepts and make them accessible to even the simplest of minds.

3.) Timely Responses: Yep. Gene lets me contact him throughout the week. I probably don't take advantage of this as much as I should. However, every time I have a question, he responds with a detailed response that is specifically catered to me. I was shocked when it first happened and I thought he was simply trying to impress me due to my good looks. But, it has never changed. Which is good, because I hate being treated like a piece of meat.

4.) Encouraging: I know this might sound cheesy, but Gene believes in us. I know, I know, he gets paid for this. BUT, he is really good at making us feel like we can actually conquer the GMAT. When we do something right, he reminds us of the progress. And when we do something wrong, he is honest and shows us how we can correct it. There are no stupid questions and I have never felt that he was unapproachable. I suppose, in some ways, he has taken the role of a coach. Perhaps if I get a good score, I'll have to find a way to electronically dump a cooler of icy Gatorade onto his head...

5.) TA: This one isn't directly about Gene, but you should know that Kaplan instructors also have a TA. This has been an incredible addition to our class. Our TA, Travis, answers questions in the chat room, helps with tech problems, and cares for backend items that make the class run well. He is also a solid GMAT teacher and is available to answer questions outside of class. He does his job quietly, but with skill and accuracy. So basically, he's a ninja.

That's it for now guys. Drop me a line if you need anything or have any questions.

Keep studying!
Victor

Upcoming Events for MBA Applicants

2010-09-26T13:01:00.000-07:00

Fall is a busy season for MBA applicants and business schools alike. The Fall MBA tours and fairs happening all over the world provide applicants and schools the chance to meet face to face. It's a great way for applicants to put a personality to the b-schools they are considering. If you haven't scheduled an event like this on your calendar yet, here is a full list of upcoming events. As you can see, they are happening all over the world - so you have no excuse not to go! Each tour company formats their events a bit differently, and different schools attend different fairs. So click on the links below to find out which schools will be coming to your area.

-------------------------------------------------

QS World MBA Tour

QS World MBA Tour provides an outstanding opp

ortunity for candidates to research business schools and make informed education and career choices, while offering business schools an ideal chance to meet a highly targeted audience of the world's best young professionals. We are currently travelling to over 72 different cities across the world and will be visiting America this fall. As World leaders in the educational industry candidates can meet with most prestigious business schools in the world under one roof, such as London Business School, Columbia, Duke and win over $1.6M of exclusive scholarships, find out about financing MBAs, and speak to alumni and admissions officers. Feel free to look through our site www.topmba.com to gain a better understanding of QS and the tour.

Sept. 26: Philadelphia

Sept. 28: Washington DC (EMBA)

Sept. 30: Dallas

Oct. 2: Houston

Oct. 5: Atlanta

Oct. 7: Miami

Oct. 7: Zurich (EMBA)

Oct. 9: Paris (EMBA)

Oct. 12: Moscow (EMBA)

Oct. 14: Kiev (EMBA)

Oct. 16: Frankfurt (EMBA)

Oct. 18: Munich

Oct. 21: Milan

Oct. 23: London (EMBA)

Oct. 26: Madrid

Oct. 28: Bucharest

Oct. 30: Istanbul

(...and more events throughout the world in Nov. and Dec! Check the web site for dates/locations)

If you are attending one of the QS events above, make sure to also check out the free Career Guide.

---------------------------------------------------

Top MBA Connect 1-2-1

Top MBA Connect 1-2-1 events are a unique and easy way to discover all you need to know about a range of top business sc

hools in order to decide which is right for you.

If you choose to take advantage of this opportunity, benefits will include:

• Pre-matching with schools that meet your requirements and are already interested in you

• Insider tips on what makes an application successful

• Help from dedicated MBA consultants in the weeks prior to events

Getting involved is easy – after filling out our simple registration form, our experienced MBA consultants will match you with schools, according to their requirements and your own needs. We will then liaise with you to provide you with a personally tailored schedule of one-to-one meetings with schools who are interested in you.

Due to the popularity of these free events, we recommend that you register your interest now.

Sept. 27: Washington DC

Oct. 6: Zurich

Oct. 9: Paris

Oct. 11: Moscow

Oct. 16: Frankfurt

Oct. 20: Milan

Oct. 20: London

Oct. 25: Madrid

(...and more events throughout the world in Nov. and Dec! Check the web site for dates/locations)

--------------------------------------------------------

The MBA Tour

At our MBA events get the personal attention you deserve through:

Panel Presentations

Individual school presentations

MBA Fair One-on-one conversations with admissions representatives from top business schools

Learn about event formats

Find Ideal Business Schools with the MBA Spotlight Survey:

Survey reveals your top preferences when choosing an MBA and matches you to universities participating in your event

Learn about Spotlight survey

Oct. 12: Buenos Aires

Oct. 14: Santiago

Oct. 16: Sao Paulo

Oct. 19: Lima

Oct. 21: Bogota

Oct. 23: Mexico City

(The MBA Tour will be touring through Canada in November, and India and Asia in February 2011)

Half Way

2010-09-18T07:53:00.000-07:00

Thursday night reminded me of running the second half of the mile in fourth grade as the chubbiest kid in class. There is a certain amount of pride in completing the first half without needing to be rolled off the track, but an awful realization that what was just accomplished needs to be repeated! Thursday we finished session five: Reading Comp & Sentence Correction. This pushes us past the half way mark for the class and so far, I am still running. For those of you wondering how I completed the class that I missed last week, I moved ahead with watching a 'Lesson on Demand.' It was simple, fast, and incredibly informative. Since there is no interaction, the Lesson on Demand videos are drastically shorter. The downfall however, is that there is no ability to ask questions, see the input of other students, or take part in small quizzes with the class. I was surprised at how much the lack of these things effected my comprehension of the material. I learned that, even though the professor is online, I really enjoy the class sessions.

This, however, is where the challenge begins. The class is starting to lose some of it's luster. It is time consuming, increasingly difficult, and we are now required to take one CAT each week. Also, if you get behind on homework, it is hard to catch up - so staying current is vital. If you're considering a GMAT course, just know that this will take time. Not just a couple of hours each week, but rather scheduled, disciplined, steady studying. Then, when you're not scheduled to study -- you'll need to think about what you just studied. However, to go with the above mentioned analogy, it's like the chubby kid running with a not-so-fat kid, he'll try to keep up and possibly even run faster and longer (or he'll quit and walk home to eat a twinkie -- but let's stay positive). The Kaplan course is the pace I need to keep my head in the game. You will always convince yourself that you're too busy to study, unless studying interrupts your life enough to grab your attention.

So thanks for being the skinny kid, Kaplan. I both love and hate you.

Hope you guys are doing well!

Keep studying and stay in touch!

Victor Saad

www.the-prop.org

Higher Scores and Missed Classes

2010-09-13T15:05:00.000-07:00

So, many of you might be asking, "does the Kaplan class really help your score?" Obviously, I am unable to fully answer this question since I'm only four weeks into the course. However, I took my second CAT last week, and after only three short weeks, my score increased by 50 points! Now, you've probably guessed that my score was quite low to begin with; however, from my research, 50 points is no easy feat in only three weeks. Especially when you are a full time employee, on the brink of launching a non-profit, assisting with a few different side projects, and maintaining some semblance of a social/family life. (so, a shout of HOORAY would be greatly appreciated right now. At least that's what I did in the middle of the library. I even added a fist pump).

Also last week, I missed my first of two classes that I would be unable to attend. But Kaplan makes this easy in two ways. First, I can simply watch a pre-recorded makeup session. This lacks the interaction but comes with added flexibility. Not only can I watch this session - or any session - anytime I please, but these recorded sessions come with helpful markers so you can jump to a particular part of the class. It does, however, lack the interaction with a teacher and classroom that comes with the live course. Second, to reschedule a class, all I had to do was call Kaplan, wait on hold for a few minutes, and voila, they'll email times that I can choose to make up the class. Not too shabby.

I'll let you know if I actually try attending another live course. At this point, I'm leaning towards watching the video. But, I'll keep researching the other option so I can relay the process back to you.

So keep studying and keep sharing any insights along the way.

Thanks guys!

Victor

MBA Timeline: Take the GMAT Early

2010-09-08T18:01:00.000-07:00

Listen to the full podcast "Building Your Application Timeline" here: http://www.mbapodcaster.com/MBA_MoreInfo/mba-application-timeline.asp?iEpisode=115

A top notch business school application takes time and proper planning. There’s a lot of tasks that need to be done, researching schools, talking to current and former students, when to make your list of schools, school visits and when should you actually fill out the application. I've been working on an upcoming MBA Podcaster show titled "MBA Timeline: What To Do and When Should You Do It" that will be extra useful. In the podcast, admissions consultants and students give you solid advice on when to start your MBA application process. One of the big issues is, when to take the GMAT.

First, research and interview GMAT providers and teachers. There are a lot of options and you want to engage with a program that works for you whether it’s online, on-on-one or you just need verbal help

And everyone seems to agree, the earlier the better with the GMAT. It’s good for five years. That doesn’t mean that you have to take it five years out, but you could.

Graham Richmond is the Co-founder and Director, Clear Admit. He says that 6 months before application deadlines is the very latest you should start studying.

“Most candidates should think about taking the test twice or at least budget time for that because many folks find that they improve their score the second time around. And the schools are open to candidates who take the test more than once, so that something you should leave time for, probably once in the early summer, once in the late summer.”

Chris Smith, (not his real name; he requested to stay anonymous because of the sensitive nature of his work) is a litigation consultant and MBA applicant. He still hasn’t taken the GMAT and might have to postpone his candidacy.

“Something that if I’d have to do it over again, I would have committed more time and effort to preparing for the GMAT because I started late and I came to the conclusion that the amount of studying I would have to do to score how I wanted to score on the GMAT would require me to commit time that I didn’t have and focus that I didn’t have, probably more than time. I wouldn’t recommend to anyone on putting it off. I would say once you make the decision or there’s a 50% chance that you should go ahead and do an early evaluation of your strengths and weaknesses to prepare for the GMAT. Take some sample tests, which I didn’t do until recently. Then do focused study.”

It bears repeating at 5-6 months out you will have wanted to have at least a first crack at the GMAT. I’ll underscore the ‘at least.’ The earlier the better with the GMAT. It’s good for five years.

If you're thinking of taking your GMAT, here is one of our latest videos to help get you started.

Richmond, Smith and our other guests have lots more of good advice on what to do and when to do it. Learn more about the best way to organize your time in our upcoming show. Other guests on the show include: Richard Battle-Baxter, an applicant for the 2011 fall semester who works for Bloomingdales.com doing search engine marketing and Betsy Massar, Founder and CEO of Master Admissions.

Week #3 of Kaplan GMAT Course

2010-09-03T05:06:00.000-07:00

I just completed week three of nine at 11:40 last night. I am officially starting the GMAT Madness section of my life – dreaming in equations, looking for evidence, assumption and conclusions in every paragraph I read, starting to think of my life in terms of how to solve for “X”, etc. I'm really worried what this will look like in six weeks!

For this week, I’ll leave you with one positive and one possible area of improvement for Kaplan:

The good: Kaplan does an amazing job of teaching you the fundamental skills required for the GMAT while also teaching you the ins and outs of the GMAT itself. This was incredibly eye opening to me! I’ve learned a great deal about the value of the first few questions in each section, small tricks that help eliminate possible answers, different ways to process through the more time consuming parts of the test, sayings and acronyms to help simplify daunting concepts. Of course, all of these things need to be memorized, but they help make a good test score seem more attainable.

The improvement: As I mentioned last week, the technology behind Kaplan is fantastic. Their assignments, quizzes, online center, statistics, and classroom experience have all exceeded my expectations. However, out of the past three classes, we have had to restart our connection three times (once during the first class, and twice last night). I know some of this is expected, but it can be frustrating in the middle of an intense class session to restart your browser, sign in, etc. Keep in mind Kaplan is doing something that is really tasking for any server and internet connection—and they are doing it well. They are also working on making this even more stable. So, if you’re considering a GMAT Advantage Anywhere Course, don’t let this stop you. It is simply an honest ‘heads up.’

This week, I’ll be recapping the past two sessions, Critical Reasoning & Quanative Strategies/Algebra, while also preparing for the next session on Arithimitec and Number Properties. Also, I will be taking my second CAT (Computer Adaptive Test) this week and will let you know if the first three weeks have had an impact on my score.

As usual, send along any questions or advice. Thanks for reading!

PS: In other news: if you recall, a group of friends and I are starting a project group that focuses on connecting people doing good. We're focusing on artists & non-profits right now. If you're in Chicago, you should think about attending our first art exhibition on September 23 (and meet me!) Learn more at www.the-prop.org

Kaplan Course Beginnings

2010-08-27T19:44:00.001-07:00

Hey Everyone,

Well, things are moving ahead with the Kaplan GMAT course. So, I wanted to send along 5 things you need to know about the BEGINNING of this whole process:

1.) GMAT Advantage - Anywhere. The course that has been awarded to me is an online course; but with a twist. I actually have to be online at a certain time to take part in the class. There is a live video of an instructor, a live chat room for the students participating, a TA who answers questions along the way, an interactive view of the course material, the ability to 'raise my hand' or 'applause' when I feel the need, etc. Though I wasn't expecting an online class, I have been pleasantly surprised with how well thought-out the process has been.

Note: Since these tools take a heavy toll on your internet connection, I suggest that you use a hard wired connection to your modem. It has worked for me on Wifi, but it seems to be more steady and stable when connected via ethernet.

2.) Kaplan has an amazing online center--incredibly intuitive, good design, and practical. I was really impressed. I will admit, however, that they try to incoorporate so much (lessons, videos, resources, quizzes, etc) that it can get buggy at times. However, when working with the internet, you can always expect a little lag or the occasional restart no matter how well programmed the site is. I'll elaborate on the online center in the upcoming weeks.

3.) CAT - Kaplan's Computer Adaptive Tests are fantastic. As far as I can tell, they do a great job of getting as close to the real thing as possible. For me, the only downfall is the fact that I am a GMAT novice in every. Therefore, the initial CAT that is to be taken prior to the class' official start was a bit discouraging. I guess that's why I'm in the class, right?

4.) Guarantee - Kaplan makes it really clear that if you're not satisfied OR if you don't feel ready for the test OR if you're score doesn't increase, you can retake the class for free. If your experience is really bad, they'll even refund your money. For someone who is doing this for the first time, it feels good to know that they stand behind their product.

5.) The right place - This is a good thing. Though I am probably in over my head academically, I don't feel like I'm looked down upon if I am rusty in a certain area or simply don't know how to complete a few problems. The professor and surrounding students have been very encouraging and uplifting. There has been a certain sense of camaraderie so far as each student sits in very different places heading a very similar direction.

That's it for my second post.

Feel free to send along any further questions, thoughts, encouragement, etc.

Thanks guys!

Victor

PS: If you missed my first post about The Kaplan Materials, click HERE.

Note from MBA Podcaster: MBA Podcaster listeners save 10% on all Kaplan GMAT comprehensive and tutoring programs. Just use code MBAPOD10 at checkout or on http://www.kaptest.com/clients/mbapodcaster

MBA Timeline: Network, Network, Network

2010-08-23T23:09:00.000-07:00

To listen to the entire podcast "Building Your Application Timeline" click here: http://www.mbapodcaster.com/MBA_MoreInfo/mba-application-timeline.asp?iEpisode=115

Crafting an A+ application to business school takes time. And planning your application process is a great way to work on getting that stellar application together. So, where should you start? How should you map out the next year to ensure flying colors? I've been working on an upcoming MBA Podcaster show titled "MBA Timeline: What To Do and When Should You Do It" that will be extra useful. In the podcast, admissions consultants and students give you solid advice on when to start your MBA application process. Some of the issues they'll address include research, how and when to tackle the application and school visits, when to take the GMAT, when to make your list of schools, and when should you actually fill out the application.

One of the first thing a A+ applicant does is networking. As soon as the business school light bulb goes on, talk to everyone you know and even those you don’t. Richard Battle- Baxter is, a real live business school applicant for the Fall of 2001 who is very entrepreneurial about his networking.

“So the first thing I did when I decided to go to business school was try to find people in my immediate network who had been [to business school]. And for me there wasn’t anybody. So once I realize that I wouldn’t be able to reach out directly to certain people, I figured that ‘okay, now I need to research online and try to connect with anybody that way.’ Something for me that I’m really good at is networking on line. I’ve made many friends online, so that was just a natural step for me. I found a couple websites and I started messaging certain people. The first step for me was to look for anybody who could give me insight into what I was about to tackle.”

Who better to give info than an insider? They can give you valuable information that you’re not going to find in the marketing videos about the school and be a resource. But networking takes time, so Battle-Baxter says the earlier you can begin this process the better because the more information you’ll have.

“My advice would be to start the process early even if it’s attending MBA fairs and admissions events or having coffee or lunch with a current student at a school that you’re interest in. And one of the reasons why I think it’s important is because you’ll get to hone in on your story. You’ll be able to see people’s reactions when you say ‘I want to round out my background.’ They make come back and say ‘what do you mean? and take that one step further.’ And even though you’re not in an interview, you’ll start to see what works and you’ll hear yourself say it over and over again.“

Battle-Baxter and our other guests have lots more of good advice on what to do and when to do it. Learn more about the best way to organize your time in our upcoming show. Other guests on the show include: Betsy Massar, Founder and CEO of Master Admissions; Graham Richmond, Co-founder and Director, Clear Admit; and Chris Smith (not his real name; he requested to stay anonymous because of the sensitive nature of his work), a litigation consultant and MBA applicant.

2010 USA MBA TOUR Events: Get ready to meet with TOP Business Schools! [VIDEO]

2010-08-22T16:36:00.000-07:00

The MBA Tour is just about to kick off it's fall season of tours across the globe. More than just a fair, The MBA Tour events offer unique formats to explore MBA programs and to help you discover your ideal school. Their unique event formats and features include:

MBA Panel Presentations: Cover valuable business school admissions topics and all your basic MBA application questions

Individual School Presentations: Admissions directors give 30 to 40 minute presentations. Learn a lot in little time!

Open Fair: Meet one on one with admission directors and alumni

Find Ideal Business School: Take the MBA Spotlight Survey, to reveal your most important preferences when choosing an MBA

FREE GMAT Strategy Session by The Princeton Review

Great opportunity to network with other like minded individuals!

The MBA Tour is coming to all the major cities on the US in September. The schedule is as follows:

Houston Thursday, Sep 2

Boston Saturday, Sep 11

Washington DC Sunday, Sep 12

Chicago Tuesday, Sep 14

New York Sunday, Sep 19

New York, All European MBAs* Monday, Sep 20

Atlanta Thursday, Sep 23

Los Angeles Saturday, Sep 25

San Francisco Sunday, Sep 26

We definitely recommend attending an MBA Tour this fall if you are considering applying for business school this year. It's one of the best ways to find out exactly what admissions directors at your dream schools are looking for. Plus, getting the chance to meet with them in person is a great way to help you stand out among the thousands of applications they receive each year.

Lastly, check out this video on how to make the most of attending an MBA Tour!

Save $$ On Your GMAT or GRE

2010-08-18T15:01:00.001-07:00

Here at MBA Podcaster, we are dedicated to keeping you informed about ways to save money on your MBA preparation since we know the costs can add up fast. One of the most costly parts of the application process can easily be preparing for and taking the GMAT or GRE. Luckily, our friends at Kaplan are making a big effort to make their courses affordable. As of this month, Kaplan drastically chopped their prices on the Classroom Anywhere Courses and the On Demand Courses.

For the Classroom Anywhere™ courses, where students interact with our expert teachers who deliver comprehensive instruction in a live, online classroom, Kaplan is lowering prices between $400 and $800, depending on the course.

For the On Demand courses, where students prep at their own pace with comprehensive, video instruction from our expert instructors, accessible where and when they want, Kaplan is lowering prices between $600 and $850, depending on the course.

"Because we can deliver these courses more efficiently, we can offer them to our students at a reduced tuition. Most important, while we are lowering some of our prices, we are only continuing to raise the quality of our courses. Whether students study online or on site, they will receive the same unparalleled instruction, strategies, and resources."

Don't forget that MBA Podcaster listeners receive an EXTRA 10% discount on any Kaplan GMAT course when using the code MBAPOD10.

Also, if you are planning on taking the GRE sometime before Sept. 30, you can save 50% off the test fee! You can thank the Educational Testing Service (ETS) for that. Click here for more information on how to lock down that deal. Just make sure you register as soon as possible before all the seats fill up.

In addition, ETS has just made available free test preparation materials on its web site so that individuals who are considering taking the GRE revised General Test will get an opportunity to practice answering the new question types and try out some of the new computer-based functionality (for more information, click here).

Good luck to all the test takers out there!

MBA Timeline: How Long Do You Need For The Application Process

2010-08-09T11:48:00.000-07:00

You can listen to the full podcast on this topic "Building Your Application Timeline" here:
http://www.mbapodcaster.com/MBA_MoreInfo/mba-application-timeline.asp?iEpisode=115

You've decided to apply to business school, but now the daunting task of planning and getting through application process is before you. Where should you start, how should you map out the next year so that everything gets done and gets done well - like when to take the GMAT, when to make your list of schools, when should you actually fill out the application. I've been working on an upcoming MBA Podcaster show titled "MBA Timeline: What To Do and When Should You Do It" will be extra useful. In the podcast, admissions consultants and students give you solid advice on when to start your MBA application process. Some of the issues they'll address include research, how and when to tackle the application and school visits.

Betsy Massar is the founder and CEO of Master Admissions, a consulting firm that advises people on how to get into MBA programs. For Massar the planning process begins the minute you start thinking about the possibility of business school. And how long do you need before you apply? The answer depends on your strengths and weaknesses. Massar says the answer can be six months if...

"You have a great career path, you have lots of extracurriculars, you are a leader in work and outside of work and you say ‘ok, I’m ready to go to business school and I have a 3.6 from Princeton and I’m sure I’ll get an 800 or something on my GMATS. "

But most people don’t fall into that category. Any one of those moving parts can be worked on.

Massar is a self-declared 'bad test-taker' and offers her experience with the GMAT as an example.

"Not everyone is the best test taker and it takes a long time to prepare for those tests. Some people can do it fast, but not everybody can do it and not everybody understands how to take the test. In my personal case, it took me 2 years to figure out how to take the test and eventually it worked out for me because I got over the 93rd percentile so that works. Because there’s so much information you need to break it down into very, very small chunks and feel like you can master it."

Massar, who was successfully admitted to and graduated from Harvard with an MBA had a three year application process. So you shouldn't be discouraged or deterred if you need a couple of years to work on the GMAT or take some classes to improve your GPA.

Massar and our other guests have lots more of good advice on what to do and when to do it. Learn more about the best way to organize your time in our upcoming show. Other guests on the show include: Richard Battle-Baxter, a business school applicant for the Fall of 2011, Graham Richmond, Co-founder and Director, Clear Admit, and Chris Smith, applying for his EMBA at UCLA.

How to deal with homesickness

2010-08-04T06:21:00.000-07:00

Hi all, this post is dedicated to the international students who go abroad to study and might get homesick in the process. I am one such student. I shifted to USA last month from India and this move has made be homesick. But with the help of parents, friends now am getting over it. So I thought I will write a post on how I dealt with this terrible phase and how others can also do it. I hope it helps someone who is also going through the same phase. So here is what I did (you can also do) to get over home sickness and blues.

Keep yourself engaged.
This is the first and most important rule. All of you know that empty mind is a devil's workshop and that's every bit true. The idea is to keep yourself busy in some or the other things when you come to a new place. The moment you are free with no work, you will start feeling lonely and all that. So don't let that happen and be engaged as much as possible. You will have lot of options on how to do that. Go explore the new place, visit the campus, shop for your new place, make friends with locals. There are some essential things to be done once you are in a new place. I will write a separate post about it.
Get enough rest and proper food
Being said about the 1st rule, its also equally important to give importance to your health and physical condition. When you come to a entirely new place, you will need time to recover from jet lag , adapt yourself to the local food and etc. Please don't ignore this part. I had to suffer a lot initially as I was not getting my choice of food (I am a strict vegetarian and too choosy about what I eat) and when I was hungry I use to feel worse. So make sure you get good food and good sleep to keep you going.
Don't stay alone (if possible)
If possible try to share an apartment with your classmate or friend so that you are not alone at home. Also try to make some friends in the new place and try and do things together. Remember others may also be going through the same thing and supporting each other in such times will make your lives easier.
Talk it out
After doing everything, its still not possible to completely avoid being homesick. It will happen and it is OK. We are all human beings and its in our nature to miss the people and things we are associated with. And when it does happen, make sure you handle it right. This can differ from person to person. For me crying out helps to come out of deep blues. Once you are a little OK, talk to your parents or siblings or friends whoever you are close to. Talking out about your situation will help lighten the burden on you. Never try to take on everything on your own. Involve others to help you out and you will be happy that you did it. In case things get out of control, be sure to reach out to the counselors in your college. Every college provides professional help in such situations.

If you don't have a phone connection yet, make sure you keep in touch through online messengers, voip applications, facebook, email etc. Make full use of technology at this time and you will technology for the way it touches our lives.
Believe in your decision and be positive

This is entirely from my experience. At time I felt so bad so bad that I was getting the thoughts of going back to India ditching everything here. That's the kinda emotional turmoil I was going through. But then when I talked to my friends about it, they made me realize that its ME who have taken this decision to pursue and MBA abroad and its upto ME to stand up to that decision.

Yes, you have to become strong so that you justify your decision. Believe in your decision and put your best to it. Be positive and things will soon turn out to be better.

So that's about how I dealt with homesickness and let me tell you I dint expect it to be so bad. It did hit me real hard. But by talking out with my people, keeping myself busy, am slowly getting over it. There are still times when something somewhere reminds me of home and makes me feel sad. But accept that these things will happen. Keep faith in your decision and keep it going :)

At the end I am sure we will be happy that we did it and it was worth the effort !!

MBA Timeline: What To Do and When Should You Do It

2010-08-03T18:46:00.000-07:00

Listen to the full podcast on this topic "Building Your Application Timeline" here:
http://www.mbapodcaster.com/MBA_MoreInfo/mba-application-timeline.asp?iEpisode=115

Are you thinking of applying to business school and not sure where to start? Or maybe you've decided to apply to business school and are at the beginning of your application process. If you could use some guidance on how to map out the next year - like when to take the GMAT, when to make your list of schools, when should you actually fill out the application, then the upcoming MBA Podcaster show titled "MBA Timeline: What To Do and When Should You Do It" will be extra useful. In the podcast, admissions consultants and students give you solid advice on when to start your MBA application process. Some of the issues they'll address include research, how and when to tackle the application and school visits.

I recently spoke with Richard Battle-Baxter who currently works for Bloomingdales.com doing search engine marketing and is applying for his MBA for the 2011 fall semester. He started his application in April of 2009, about 1.5 years before his applications will be due. He says that it's never too early to start the application process.

"During college the thought had never crossed my mind and during college I never understood why people would go to business school. I guess with my field digital marketing, in 2004, it wasn’t really that necessary to have an MBA. Because I wasn’t thinking about it the endpoint for me when I was in schools was just think about that I just need to graduate. In hindsight, I would have done better in my classes knowing that my transcript would count for something after college. So now that’s one of the hurdles that I’m facing right now. Making sure that I’m taking classes now and trying to do everything I can so that my undergraduate GPA isn’t what gets me rejected from any schools."

So one reason Battle-Baxter started the process early is because he needed to take some classes. But there is plenty preparation to do for business school applications and plenty of reasons why you should do them. Battle-Baxter gives another one.

"My advice would be to start the process early even if it’s attending MBA fairs and admissions events or having coffee or lunch with a current student at a school that you’re interest in. And one of the reasons why I think it’s important is because you’ll get to hone in on your story. You’ll be able to see people’s reactions when you say ‘I want to round out my background,’because they may come back and say ‘what do you mean? and take that one step further.’ And even though you’re not in an interview, you’ll start to see what works and you’ll hear yourself say it over and over again."

Battle-Baxter and our other guests have lots more of good advice on what to do and when to do it. Learn more about the best way to organize your time in our upcoming show. Other guests on the show include: Betsy Massar, Founder and CEO of Master Admissions and Graham Richmond, Co-founder and Director, Clear Admit and another student who will be applying to UCLA's executive MBA program.

Prequel to the Kaplan GMAT Course

2010-07-27T15:10:00.000-07:00

Hi. I'm Victor. On May 31st, I had the privilege of receiving an email that announced I was the recipient of MBA Podcaster's Kaplan GMAT Course giveaway. (You can read my essay here.) So, after raising a few glasses in celebration, I decided to begin working with Kaplan to decide the best days and times to take the course. Both MBA Podcaster and Kaplan have been gracious enough to allow me to start a bit later than planned, so I won't officially begin the GMAT prep course until August 19th. It is a "Live Online Course," which means that I'll have a professor and a 'classroom,' but will have the freedom to take this course in my boxers from the comfort of my dining room table. (perhaps too much information for an initial post...)

Here are the class schedule and times:

1	Introduction to GMAT Strategy	Thu 08/19/2010	10:00 PM EDT - 12:30 AM EDT (7:00 PM PDT)
2	Quant Strategies and Algebra	Thu 08/26/2010	10:00 PM EDT - 12:30 AM EDT (7:00 PM PDT)
3	Critical Reasoning/AWA	Thu 09/02/2010	10:00 PM EDT - 12:30 AM EDT (7:00 PM PDT)
4	Arithmetic & Number Properties	Thu 09/09/2010	10:00 PM EDT - 12:30 AM EDT (7:00 PM PDT)
5	Reading Comp/Sentence Correction	Thu 09/16/2010	10:00 PM EDT - 12:30 AM EDT (7:00 PM PDT)
6	Math Formulas & Geometry	Thu 09/23/2010	10:00 PM EDT - 12:30 AM EDT (7:00 PM PDT)
7	Adv Critical Reasoning/AWA	Thu 09/30/2010	10:00 PM EDT - 12:30 AM EDT (7:00 PM PDT)
8	Proportions and Statistics	Thu 10/07/2010	10:00 PM EDT - 12:30 AM EDT (7:00 PM PDT)
9	Adv Reading Comp/Sentence Correction	Thu 10/14/2010	10:00 PM EDT - 12:30 AM EDT (7:00 PM PDT)

Kaplan did send me the course materials early so I could give you a sneak peek below.

Feel free to send along any questions, feedback, or input by commenting on this post.

Looking forward to the next few months with you guys!

How to Build the Best MBA Resume: The KISS Principle*

2010-07-26T17:23:00.000-07:00

You've worked and worked and worked on your application. You've slaved over your essays. Transcripts, recommendations and GMAT scores are on their way. All that's left is to attach your resume. Make sure you've thought good and hard about it. As with the rest of your application, you want to submit your best possible resume. I've been working on an upcoming MBA Podcaster show titled "MBA Resumes: How to Build the Best Applicant Resume." In the podcast, admissions deans and a consultant give you solid advice on putting together your resume. Some of the issues they'll address include writing style, format, what categories to include, and how to treat side projects.

I recently spoke with Christine E. Sneva, the Assistant Director of Admissions and Financial Aid Director at The Johnson School at Cornell University. Sneva says the resume is one of the most important part of the application.

It tells a lot about you. So you need to be sure it is very clear, concise and highlights the most important pieces of your story. When you are looking at your resume if you only had one minute to introduce yourself what are some of the things that you would say?

And Sneva has some simple advice to make your resume stand out.

We see so many resumes that don’t follow simple rules that when you do have one that’s very clear and simple, that’s actually the one that does stand out. (Laughs.) That’s actually the one that does look very special. It’s a hard question to be specific on examples. In the past I have seen resumes that gave me exactly what I needed to know about the candidate and I could tell you what they wanted to do just by looking at that resume. Interestingly they also left me with questions about certain instances that left me very curious about this individual. That is someone I really want to meet, that is someone I really want to interview if I haven’t met them already, which makes them stand out in a way. After all, that’s really the goal of a resume is getting to the interview to showcase and articulate what that resume says and come to life over a conversation.

Duran and our other guests have lots more of good advice on what to do and what not to do in crafting your resume. Learn more about the best way to organize your resume, what to include and what not to include and some definite don't do's in our upcoming show. Other guests on the show include:

Vicki Duran, the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business;
Kellee Scott, the Senior Associate Director for MBA Admissions at the Marshall School of Business at University of Southern California; and
Jeremy Shinewald, MBA, Founder/President mbaMission.

*The KISS Principle = keep it simple, stupid.

MBA = Leadership??

2010-07-22T18:11:00.001-07:00

I often laugh at the claims of business schools to turn you into a leader during your 2 years in school. How exactly do they expect to pull that one off?

I guess I don't quite understand the thought that anyone can "become" a leader in a school environment. What does it really mean to become a leader anyway? At exactly what point in his life did Abraham Lincoln become a leader? Of course the real goal is build your leadership skills as your grow personally and professionally, but can a business school help accomplish that?

In some small ways, I admit that it's part of any person's natural development, but the great leaders of the past and present didn't study discounted cash flow models to hone their leadership skills. They led. I can read every John C. Maxwell book in print, and be mentored by the greatest leaders in the world, but there is no substitute for the real thing.

As an Air Force officer, I've commanded groups as large as 70 people, and I'll promise you that no amount of preparation can get you ready for the first time that 70 people are standing doe-eyed waiting for your first order. It's terrifying...

And so I learned... One day at a time, I learned about me, about each of them, and about what works and doesn't. No school (and I had already been to a few) can teach the subtleties of charismatic leadership. The ONLY way to become a better leader is to lead, fail, assess, learn, and lead again. Rinse and repeat. This can be accomplished at work, at church, a volunteer organization, your daughter's PTA, etc. If it involves influencing others toward a common goal, then it can contribute to your self-awareness as long as you take the time to assess your performance.

Don't misunderstand my disdain for leadership learning: several books on leadership have single-handedly changed my life. But these books are only useful with a bevy of leadership failures to draw upon.

Business school will present its fair share of challenges, and opportunities to lead small groups, projects, etc. I wholeheartedly accept that every such challenge will push you one more step down the path, but I reject the propaganda that indicates you'll arrive a timid boy working the fry-stand at McDonalds, and leave as a hairy-chested man ready to take a post as a CEO.

With that metaphor, I bid you adieu.

Your FREE Ticket to Destination: Business School Awaits! Value: $300

2010-07-22T12:07:00.000-07:00

For the first time ever, Kaplan is hosting an intense 2-day event in NY for anyone serious about going to business school.

The event is called Destination: Business School and it will cover just about everything you need to do to prepare for business school: understanding the admissions process, figuring out which b-school is for you, mastering the GMAT, networking, participating in a mock b-school class and more! Plus, you'll get the chance to meet with admissions officers from several of the top business schools in the country. It's a great way to make that first impression that will help get your foot in the door to your dream b-school.

To make things even more exciting, two lucky MBA Podcaster fans will have the opportunity to attend this amazing inaugural event for FREE! Tickets are valued at $300 for the 2-day event that could be a real career changer. Plus, winning these tickets couldn't be easier...

In order to win, become a fan of MBA Podcaster on Facebook and write on our wall telling us why you want to attend this event and how you would personally benefit from going. Then, collect votes from your friends by getting them to "like" your comment on our page. The two people that have the most "likes" by 12pm PST on Wednesday, August 4th will receive a free ticket to Kaplan's Destination: Business School event that weekend in NYC! (Please note that the ticket covers event registration only, not travel or accommodations).

Destination: Business School event agenda

Saturday, Aug. 7

10:00 – 10:30	Kick-Off
10:30 – 12:00	Your B-School Blueprint A complete overview of the admissions process and tips on planning your application.
12:00 – 1:00	Keynote Lunch
1:00 – 4:30	The Road to Business School Enjoy VIP access to this open event and meet admissions officers from over 30 top programs. (Separate registration not required.)
Evening	Networking Happy Hour Hit the town with your colleagues.

Sunday, Aug. 8

9:00 – 10:00	Elevator Pitch Breakfast Practice your pitch for your interviews, essays, and networking.
10:30 – 12:30	Mastering the GMAT: Scoring 700+ Learn how to attack the toughest content on the GMAT.
12:30 – 1:30	Lunch and Mock Business School Class Take a mock class with a real b-school professor
1:30 – 2:30	Career Round-Robins Speak with MBAs in consulting, investment banking, brand management, entrepreneurship, non-profits, and government.
2:30 – 3:30	Application Essay Clinic featuring mbaMission Work on your application essays in an error-free environment with the mbaMission experts.
3:30 – 4:00	Closing

Participating schools you'll get the chance to meet with:

Baruch College (Zicklin) • Boston College (Carroll) • Boston University • Brandeis University International Business School • Carnegie Mellon (Tepper) • Chicago Booth • Cornell University (Johnson) • Cox School of Business at SMU • Dartmouth College (Tuck) • Duke University (Fuqua) • Georgetown University (McDonough) • IMD • INSEAD • New York University (Stern) • Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Sloan) • Manchester Business School • Melbourne Business School, Australia • Ohio State University (Fisher) • Pace Business School • Pennsylvania State University – University Park (Smeal) • Rotterdam School of Management • Rutgers Business School • Thunderbird • Tulane University (Freeman) • UCLA (Anderson) • UNC - Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler) • University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign • University of Maryland – College Park (Smith) • University of Michigan – Ann Arbor (Ross) • University of Notre Dame (Mendoza) • University of Rochester (Simon) • University of Texas – Dallas • University of Virginia (Darden) • University of Washington (Foster) • Vanderbilt University (Owen) • Yale School of Management

Obviously this sounds like an incredible event for anyone interested in going to business school! Good luck to all!

What One Idea Would Improve Graduate Management Education?

2010-07-18T20:20:00.000-07:00

Do you have an answer to this question? If so, you could land yourself $50,000.

Beginning July 21st, GMAC (the Graduate Management Admissions Council), makers of the GMAT, will be accepting 1-page submissions answering the question: What one idea would improve graduate management education? It is part of the Ideas to Innovation Challenge to find ways to improve management education around the world. The contest is open to anyone and everyone and submissions will be accepted through October 8, 2010. Read the official GMAC press release and submit your idea!

How to Build the Best MBA Resume: Show Results

2010-07-17T12:35:00.000-07:00

Listen to the full podcast "Building the Best MBA Resume" here: http://www.mbapodcaster.com/MBA_MoreInfo/mba-application-resume.asp?iEpisode=114

MBA Application To Do List

Application Form. Check.
Essays. Check.
GMATs. Check and remember to check up to make sure sent to right schools.
Recommendations. In process.
Interview. Scheduled.

What’s left?

Oh, attach resume.

Not so fast. As with the rest of your application, you want to submit your best possible resume. I've been working on an upcoming MBA Podcaster show titled "MBA Resumes: How to Build the Best Applicant Resume." In the podcast, admissions deans and a consultant give you solid advice on putting together your resume. Some of the issues they'll address include writing style, format, what categories to include, and how to treat side projects.

I recently spoke with Vicki Duran, the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business. Duran says the resume is an integral part of the application.

“We like to see on paper, on resumes, through essays, through the whole application, what has this person accomplished and who are they. A lot of that comes through on the resume, whatever they believe is going to give us insight into what they’re going to bring to the program that is going to enhance the experience of their peers in the classroom. And in many cases, we only get to know applicants on paper - if we haven’t met them on the road or they haven’t been to campus for a class visit or to interview with us – that’s all we have to go by, what they have written on their resume or in their essays.”

And Duran has some very specific advice on what her team likes in a resume. She wants to see one page (two’s okay if you have more than five years experience) and bullet points that are easy to read.

We like to see results-oriented phrases. For instance, ‘led a five member team to develop an internal waste recycling project, resulting in…’ and then giving the results of that. That’s why we like to see the bulleted items. And using action verbs at the start of those sentences. So whether it’s managed, designed, initiated, developed, led, supervised, words like that."

Kellee Scott, the Senior Associate Director for MBA Admissions at the Marshall School of Business at University of Southern California;
Jeremy Shinewald, Founder/President mbaMission; and
Christine E. Sneva, Assistant Director, Admissions and Financial Aid, The Johnson School at Cornell University.

How to Build the Best MBA Resume: Make it Easy to Read

2010-07-15T12:00:00.000-07:00

Listen to the full podcast "Building the Best MBA Application Resume" here:
http://www.mbapodcaster.com/MBA_MoreInfo/mba-application-resume.asp?iEpisode=114

Today is the day you're tackling your resume that every MBA application requires. The aspect of the resume that makes it the easy part of your application is that once it's done, it's done and you can use it for every application. The not so easy part is that as with the rest of your application, you want it to shine and highlight your experience. I've been working on an upcoming MBA Podcaster show titled "MBA Resumes: How to Build the Best Applicant Resume." In the podcast, admissions deans and a consultant give you solid advice on putting together your resume. Some of the issues they'll address include writing style, format, what categories to include, and how to treat side projects.

I recently spoke with Jeremy Shinewald, MBA, the founder/President or mbaMission. Shinewald says that the word 'highlight' is key.

I think the most import thing that the candidates consider when they create their resume is that less is more. The resume has to very, very, very easily scanable. Someone needs to be able to pick up on visual cues and get answers that they might not have even realized they’ve been seeking. Not having a cluttered resume where you put in every single detail of your entire professional, personal community life is actually important and is something that a lot of candidates resist unnecessarily.

So if less is more, how many pages is acceptable? Is two okay? Shinewald was very definitive on his answer.

I was at the Association of International Graduate Admissions Consultants conference recently and someone asked the question about two page resumes... one of the panelists who was an admissions officer joked and said “All together now” and all 8 admissions officers said “One page” all in unison. Again the key here is scanability. You want the reader to get key facts and the reader will get bogged down in minutiae and just skip over it. In my opinion, you’d rather offer 75% and have that person get 75% than offer 100% and have that person skip over and get 25% or 50%. So less is definitely more. You certainly can work with your fonts and work with your margins, but you have to use judgment in terms of editing yourself, so that you’re not getting to the point where someone is going to get bogged down, frustrated and move on.

And you'll have to wait for the podcast to get one very easy but acceptable piece of advice for creating space on your resume.

There is one exception to the one-page rule and that applies to executive MBA candidates, because those applicants typically have about 8-15 years of work experience, so they can have two pages for their resume.

Shinewald and our other guests have lots more of good advice on what to do and what not to do in crafting your resume. Learn more about the best way to organize your resume, what to include and what not to include and some definite don't do's in our upcoming show. Other guests on the show include:

Vicki Duran, the Associate Director of MBA Admissions at the University of Texas at Austin’s McCombs School of Business;
Kellee Scott, the Senior Associate Director for MBA Admissions at the Marshall School of Business at University of Southern California; and
Admission Representative, TBD, Columbia Business School.

How to Build the Best MBA Resume: Keep it Current

2010-07-12T21:27:00.000-07:00

Listen to the full podcast "Building the Best MBA Application Resume" here:

http://www.mbapodcaster.com/MBA_MoreInfo/mba-application-resume.asp?iEpisode=114

You've done your research and narrowed down the list of schools that you want to apply to. Now you're starting to work on your applications and the resume is a standard part of most applications. I've been working on an upcoming MBA Podcaster live show titled "MBA Resumes: How to Build the Best Applicant Resume." In the podcast, admissions deans and a consultant give you solid advice on putting together your resume. Some of the issues they'll address include writing style, format, what categories to include, and how to treat side projects.

I recently spoke with Kellee Scott, the Senior Associate Director for MBA Admissions at the Marshall School of Business at University of Southern California. She says the MBA candidate pool seems to be getting younger and this brings up a specific problem, which Scott says that candidates should avoid.

"We talk about the millenials and generation x, y and z, you have to think about their lives. We read about how... in high school they’re booked up every minute. They’ve got soccer, they’ve got this, they’re in organizations. Parents are carting them all over the place and that’s just what this generation has learned and grown up with. And for them, those are accomplishments, those are achievements and it’s great for getting into undergrad. But once they get to the level of MBA programs or at least the top MBA programs, it’s good that you’re active, but we’re hoping you’ve taken that activity into your college life and beyond, so you don’t have to talk about what you did in high school."

And her solution is as follows:

"A piece of advice is that they try to remain current in what they’re doing. Because what I’ve seen lately is candidates who tend to put a lot of high school information, which is not necessary. Unless you’ve gone to some high visibility high school like a Bronx Science or an Exeter and you were a valedictorian or a National Merit finalist, there’s really no need to put high school information on your resume. I always tell candidates not to do that if they can."

So write about your most recent jobs, what you did and what you accomplished, but don't list your stint flipping burgers between your sophomore and junior year in high school.

Learn more about the best way to assemble your resume, what to include and what not to include and some definite don't do's in our upcoming show. Other guests on the show include:

Vicki L. Duran, Associate Director of MBA Admissions, The University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business and
Jeremy Shinewald, MBA, Founder/President mbaMission.

The Executive MBA Series - A Quick Look at the DO's and DON'Ts for the Executive MBA Resume

2010-07-05T14:06:00.000-07:00

I can’t tell you how many times over the course of my professional career that I’ve had to update my resume, and I’m certain that many prospective students to Executive MBA programs share my grief. However, almost every Executive MBA program will require you to submit a resume to substantiate your experience and demonstrate the caliber of the contributions you will make to your class. From my experience and in talking with fellow applicants over the past year, the resume truly is the centerpiece to your application.

Recently, I had the chance to chat with Erica Ofenleger, Assistant Director for Executive MBA Admissions at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University about this topic. As part of the Admissions Committee at Goizueta, she’s reviewed countless resumes and has gleaned some of the most important lessons learned for being successful with crafting your resume.

In short, what do you think are the three most important elements of a resume for an Executive MBA applicant?

Clear representation of responsibilities and accomplishments
Professional progression that highlights the breadth and depth of responsibilities
A clear timeline with an explanation of any long periods between positions

What should an Executive MBA applicant do when crafting their resume?

DO: Highlight responsibilities and accomplishments in a way that allows the reader to clearly understand your background and experience.

DO: Be specific and quantify your accomplishments where applicable.

DO: Include your extracurricular activities. Let the reader know of any community involvement, affiliations, etc you may have aside from your professional achievements. Be sure to include board positions that you’ve held or other volunteer leadership roles that have impacted your community.

Conversely, what should an Executive MBA applicant avoid when crafting their resume?

DON’T: Assume all readers are familiar with acronyms or terms that are common within your industry. Be sure to list the full name of the certification, organization, product, etc. at least once. (i.e. Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Business Manager (CBM)).

DON’T: Leave out prior roles if you have worked in several positions in the same company. Including them in your resume helps give the reader a sense of your progression.

DON’T: Include pages of information that might not be relevant outside of your industry. Try to limit your resume to a few pages. When I asked Erica if it’s acceptable for an executive resume to be longer than two pages, she replied, “It is acceptable when unavoidable.”

Jhaymee's Helpful Resources for Crafting Your Executive MBA Resume:

CareerPerfect- A leading resume service with dedicated expertise for executive-level resumes

Getting Ahead with a Skills-Based Resume - A great blog article from the Wall Street Journal on a different approach to the traditional resume

Avoiding the Resume “Black Hole” - An article from Fast Company with helpful tips on making your resume stand out.

Quintessential Careers - A website that provides sample resume layouts, including templates for MBA-level professionals

Top Notch Executive Resumes: Creating Flawless Resumes for Managers, Executives and CEOs- A great book available on Amazon.com that focus on branded resumes to highlight a candidate’s unique value proposition. Available in paperback and Kindle editions

Jhaymee S. Wilson is a candidate for the W. Clifford Oxford Executive MBA at the Goizueta Business School at Emory University. She recently completed her Master’s Degree in Project Management from the George Washington University in 2009, and is an author of The Green PM, a site devoted to presenting fresh perspectives on project leadership. She received the 2010 Women in Technology’s Rising Star Award, was named a 2009 Technology Rising Star by Women of Color Magazine and IBM, and was a finalist for the 2010 Hot Mommas Project Case Competition. Jhaymee is also a Investor member and blogger of 85 Broads. Connect with Jhaymee on LinkedIn and Twitter.

The Executive MBA from the Students Perspective: The Balancing Act

2010-06-29T15:46:00.000-07:00

You have a good job that’s challenging and gives you lots of responsibility, but you feel like you need something to get you to the next level in your career. You might want to consider an executive MBA. I'm working on an upcoming podcast titled "The Executive MBA from the Students Perspective."

We talk to executive MBA students from UCLA's Anderson School of Management, the Berkeley-Columbia program, and Wharton West. How do they balance work, school and whatever else is going on in their lives? Do they get the same opportunities as regular, full-time MBA students? If you’re only there on weekends, what’s the faculty interaction like? Can you apply what you learn at school to your work?

Sonal Sinha manages risk compliance at Visa in their legal department and attends the Berkeley-Columbia EMBA program. As if that isn’t enough responsibility for one person, she has two children. So what does she have to say about balance?

"I’m not going to stand up here and say it’s going to be really easy, because then I wouldn’t be very honest and fair. It is challenging at times. However, I think most of the challenges are in planning. As long as you plan very well, and I mean plan way before the program starts. So make arrangement to be able to do things that are important to you, whether they be family or running marathons or climbing mountains, wherever your interests lie. If you can organize your life in such a way that you can manage that and put things on people’s calendars. It’s manageable, it’s doable, but you have to plan for it and that’s almost getting you 99% through."

Sinha says some weeks or semesters are easier to handle than others.

"It depends on classes you’re taking, it depends on your experience with that subject manner. For example, there were some areas where I felt that I didn’t have as much as professional work experience where I had to put in more time to understand the materials and more time to catch up than someone who worked in that field. On an average, and I think my classmates can kind of speak to it, it can range anywhere between 10-15-20 hours onwards per week."

Learn more of what the other guests have to say about the executive MBAs in our upcoming show that will be live in a couple of weeks. Other guests on the show include:

Brian Carroll, EMBA student at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, New Produce Program Manager at CISCO;
Matthew Cooper, student at the Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA (EMBA) program and founder of Syapse, a bioinformatics company;
Bhavik Joshi, a recent graduate of the Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA (EMBA) program and is in charge of global infrastructure operations for Better Place, a start-up;Ravi Mallela, EMBA student at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management and equity capital manager at Wells Fargo;
Annie Phan, student the Wharton West EMBA program and hedge fund trader; and
George Schmilinsky, a recent graduate of the Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA (EMBA) program and Chief Financial Officer of Vapore, Inc.

Breaking: GMAT to Add New Section to the Test in 2012

2010-06-25T11:29:00.000-07:00

New press release from GMAC!

Next Generation GMAT Exam to Add New Integrated Reasoning Section

Global Business School Exam to Introduce Innovative New Questions in June 2012

June 25, 2010

San Diego, California—The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) will add an innovative new section designed to measure people’s ability to evaluate information from multiple sources. The new integrated reasoning section, scheduled to be introduced in June 2012, will provide business schools with a window into how prospective students respond to the kinds of complex challenges they will encounter as managers in today’s information-rich business environment.

The coming enhancements to the GMAT exam stem from multiple surveys of business school faculty conducted during the past four years by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), owners of the exam. GMAC solicits input from faculty as a regular part of its commitment to continuously improving the GMAT exam. The Council unveiled the changes to the exam here today at its Annual Industry Conference, the largest gathering of graduate business school professionals in the world.

The integrated reasoning portion of the GMAT will capitalize on innovations in technology and assessments and feature questions that further enhance the validity of the test. These questions include information from multiple sources, such as charts, graphs, and spreadsheets. Examinees will be asked to analyze information, draw conclusions and discern relationships between data points, just as they must do in business school.

“The new integrated reasoning section of the GMAT will be a microcosm of today’s b-school classroom,” said Dave Wilson, president and CEO of GMAC. “These questions will provide critical intelligence to schools about the ability of prospective students to make sound decisions by evaluating, assimilating or extrapolating data.”

The overall length of the GMAT exam (three and a half hours) will not change. The new integrated reasoning section will be 30 minutes long and replace one of two essays that are part of the GMAT’s analytical writing section. Admissions officers have stated and GMAC research has shown that performance on the essays is closely aligned, making a single essay acceptable for predicting performance.

The GMAT exam’s verbal and quantitative sections will not change. As a result, when the new section is introduced in June 2012, tests will be scored on the same 200–800 scale used today. Test takers will receive a separate score for the essay—as they do now—and another distinct score on the new integrated reasoning section.

About GMAC

The Graduate Management Admission Council (www.gmac.com) is a nonprofit education organization of leading graduate business schools worldwide dedicated to creating access to and disseminating information about graduate management education. GMAC is based in McLean, Virginia, and has a European office in London. The GMAT® exam was created in 1954 and is used by nearly 5,000 graduate management programs at approximately 1,900 business schools around the world to assess applicants. The GMAT—the only standardized test designed expressly for graduate business and management programs worldwide—is continuously available at more than 530 test centers in over 111 countries. More information about the GMAT exam is available at www.mba.com.

FAQs about Next Generation GMAT.

The EMBA from the Students Perspective: Access to Faculty

2010-06-23T11:06:00.000-07:00

Whether you are full time, part time or in the executive program, you earn the same degree. An MBA is an MBA degree. Where you are in life usually determines which program is appropriate. And for someone who has an established career, with a decade or so of experience, and doesn't want to leave that job an EMBA program is a good choice.

I'm working on an upcoming podcast titled "The Executive MBA from the Students Perspective."

We talk to executive MBA students from UCLA's Anderson School of Management, the Berkeley-Columbi a program, and Wharton West. How do they balance work, school and whatever else is going on in their lives? Do they get the same opportunities as regular, full-time MBA students? Can you apply what you learn at school to your work? If you’re only there on weekends, what’s the faculty interaction like?

Brian Carroll works at Cisco while studying for his EMBA degree at UCLA Anderson’s School of Management. He says that at UCLA, students are not limited to just EMBA courses and can take a range of classes from other programs no matter what they want to concentrate on. And the faculty is top notch.

"I’ve been able to tailor my degree to the specialty areas that are important to me. Two of the areas that are important to me are sustainable management and entrepreneurship. I’ve been able to study under leaders. For example, one of my professors in my green energy venture class is a VC at Khosla Ventures, which is one of the top VC firms in the bay area for sustainable technology. I also worked with Jeff Scheinrock, who was the first CFO at Packard Bell. So, I’ve been able to work with outstanding faculty members in all three programs. "

You may wonder if the relationship between faculty and students is as good in the EMBA program as it is in the full time program. Do EMBA students get same faculty attention and opportunities for mentorship as full-time students? As Caroll alluded to and the students I spoke with backed him up, EMBA students seem to get more attention and very specific help.

George Schmilinsky, a recent graduate of Berkeley-Columbia says that there are many opportunities to work with professors.

"One is independent study. So I took an independent study with an entrepreneur professor and he was helping me with my business and growing that business and putting together a business plan and connecting me with VC’s, etc. I continue after graduating working with professors at Berkeley in the same area at Lester Center in entrepreneurship. And I know some of my classmates are dealing with finance professors and what have you. The opportunities are there."

Learn more of what the other students have to say about the executive MBAs in our upcoming show that will be live in a couple of weeks. Other guests on the show include:

Matthew Cooper, student at the Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA (EMBA) program;
Bhavik Joshi, a recent graduate of the Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA (EMBA) program;
Ravi Mallela, EMBA student at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management;
Annie Phan, student the Wharton West EMBA program; and
Sonal Sinha, a student at the Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA (EMBA) program.

The Executive MBA from the Students Perspective: Work-School Synergy

2010-06-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Let’s say you’re a dozen years out of school. You have a good job that’s challenging and gives you lots of responsibility, but you feel like you need something to get you to the next level in your career. Or maybe you’re an entrepreneur who has a great idea for a company but need some help to develop your plan and ensure it works.

But you like your job. And it’s been years since you’ve been in school. You wonder if business school is the right thing to do. You might want to consider an executive MBA, usually referred to as EM-BA.

I'm working on an upcoming podcast titled "The Executive MBA from the Students Perspective."

We talk to executive MBA students from UCLA's Anderson School of Management, the Berkeley-Columbia program, and Wharton West. How do they balance work, school and whatever else is going on in their lives? Do they get the same opportunities as regular, full-time MBA students? If you’re only there on weekends, what’s the faculty interaction like? Can you apply what you learn at school to your work?

Matthew Cooper is enrolled in the Berkeley-Columbia program and eagerly addresses the last question. He started a bioinformatics company with a couple of friends from Stanford.

"I’ve done now four class projects directly on the business that I’ve started. And a lot of those projects provided me with the rational and the confidence and the sales pitch that got me funded last quarter when nobody else was getting funded. A lot of those projects provided that background and experience in order to get that done. In terms of applicability, it’s scary how applicable it is. "

Ravi Mallela manages Equity Capital for Wells Fargo. He is an EMBA student at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, class of 2011. His statistics class work turned into huge bottom line benefits for his company.

"I developed a technique that essentially lowered our capital that we were holding for the bank from ... 15 [to 10] %. That 5% benefit translates to $5 billion in capital that the bank can use to fund loans and new acquisition opportunities. It’s real. When you’re in there and you’re engaging with the professors, you can take whatever you’re learning in that time and expand it significantly and it impacts your organization in a real way."

Learn more of what Cooper and Mallela and the other guests have to say about the executive MBAs in our upcoming show that will be live in a couple of weeks. Other guests on the show include:

Brian Carroll, EMBA student at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management;
Bhavik Joshi, a recent graduate of the Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA (EMBA) program;
Ravi Mallela, EMBA student at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management;
Annie Phan, student the Wharton West EMBA program;
George Schmilinsky, a recent graduate of the Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA (EMBA) program; and
Sonal Sinha, a student at the Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA (EMBA) program.

MBA Pre-Matriculation Series - Part 1 - Getting your U.S. Non Immigrant Visa

2010-06-22T10:02:00.000-07:00

Getting into the business school is definitely an accomplishment but it also marks the beginning of yet another challenging set of tasks. These pre-matriculation tasks such as loans, visa, housing, transition takes a lot of time and efforts and hence in coming weeks I will be writing posts dedicated to each of these tasks.

To begin with, this article is about the steps to get your US student visa. I recently got my US Visa approved and hence its best to share my visa experiences while its still fresh in my memory. So read on.

Visa is still a relatively unknown thing for many international applicants and many feel its a difficult process. But with right preparation, getting your visa is definitely not rocket science. Nevertheless you need to work diligently to get every document in place and once you do that the actual visa interview will be a breeze. Here are the step by step guidelines in getting your visa.

Step by Step process

Choose the school you would finally want to attend if you have multiple admits. Get the I20 document from that school. (Some choose to get multiple I20s but before starting the visa process you have to have your choice done)

Each school will have a specific procedure to process the I20s. Students will be mainly required to send proof of funds for their education. Once these financial documents and other information is verified by the school, it sends the I20 to the students. The whole process takes around 2 to 3 weeks so make sure to start this process early. Having your I20 on hand enables to start the Visa process
International students are required to pay the SEVIS fee. You can pay your SEVIS fee online here . Once you pay fee take the print out of the fee payment receipt. This will be required for your visa interview
Determine your consular district and visa type. Full time MBA students will have to get their F1 Visa
Obtain a photo that can be uploaded and meets form specifications. Make sure you get a soft copy of the photo from your photographer as you are required to upload it to your application
Access the form DS-160. Complete your DS-160 application online. Answer questions as thoroughly as possible before submitting, as incomplete forms may not be accepted. Remember this takes time and hence can take multiple sessions. Save often locally to save your work and resume later. Print the DS-160 barcode confirmation sheet at the end of the DS-160 application on a laser printer. After you have printed it, email the confirmation page to yourself so you have a backup copy. This printout will be needed for your visa interview
Pay the visa application fee at an approved HDFC bank. (This information is specific to India so make sure to check the corresponding requirements in your country ). When you pay the fee, carefully retain the receipts which have a barcode & number affixed on them. You will require these for your visa interview.
Now you are ready to schedule your Visa appointment. Have all the above mentioned documents in hand when you are scheduling your visa interview - Make your appointment using your barcode number and fee receipt. If appropriate, use the “coworkers/family members traveling together” option. Then, download and print your VFS appointment letter.
On your visa interview day, make sure you reach consulate well in time. Expect lots of people and long queues. Report for your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate fifteen minutes before your appointment. Carry appropriate documents and follow security regulations. All applicants can find a list of documents under their visa type in the All About Visas - Non-Immigrant Visas section.

Security checks and documents pre screening will be done once you enter the consulate. Imprints of all 10 of your fingers will be recorded. Finally you will be put into the queue for your interview with consulate officers. Stay calm (though the environment makes you feel nervous !) and keep all your important docs handy. Initially you will be only required to present your passport, I20, DS 160, SEVIS fee & Visa fee receipts. But also take your original marksheets, GMAT/GRE score cards, financial documents ready.

Each person will be given not more than a couple of mins in a normal scenario. Expect questions about your intended course of study, funding, family & Education background and career plans. You have to understand that you are applying for an non immigrant visa and hence your answers should reflect the point that you will be going back to your home country after your education and wont stay back in US.

At the end of the interview you will be informed of the results. If Yes then enjoy your moment of relief, thank your interviewer and you are done. Approved visas are returned by courier. Click here to track your passport.
In case your visa application is rejected, don't despair. Try to get the reason for rejection in writing before you leave the consulate. You can again schedule an appointment after some point of time.

Some Useful links and Resources

VFS website for detailed and step by step information
Visa Documentation - https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/USIndia/nonimmigrantvisas_student.html
Wait time for US Visa -Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. You can use this website to calculate the Visa wait time depending on your locality - http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html
VISA FAQs This FAQ section answers the most common doubts, we applicants can have about US student visa http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html

Knowing these things will help you navigate through the process with ease. Wish you good luck with the visa !

Be sure to add your visa experiences in your comments. This will help the readers get 1st hand perspective of the visa interviews. Also if your country consulates differ in the above procedure, you can help your nationals by briefly sharing info specific to your country.

GMAT Studying

2010-06-21T19:08:00.000-07:00

Studying for the GMAT…… ugh.

I want to get into a good business school, but I also want to go golfing every day. Unfortunately, these pursuits are mutually exclusive at this juncture. I plan to take the GMAT in the next few months, but I’m having trouble embracing the drudgery of my GMAT studying. I know I NEED to study… but I WANT to work on my short game. So my question is: where do you find the motivation?

Am I supposed to be jazzed about studying trivial sentence correction syntax? Should I enjoy eschewing family time for the joys of data sufficiency? I know this type of work/fun decision is a perfect precursor to what business school will be like, so I shouldn’t complain too much… but I will anyway.

I’m not worried about the math. I have a BS in Physics, so I should do well after a few hours of rules review. I’ll do my due diligence and complete whatever problems I can find, but I won’t need to re-learn anything. I’ll need to ensure I complete as many different problems as possible so that I won’t be surprised with types of questions asked.

The verbal section is a bit different. I’m very competent, but the relative ambiguity of words (vice numbers/shapes/mathematical truths) is enough to melt my confidence slightly. I’ll spend the bulk of my study time on these sections in hopes of bringing my verbal scores up. I think this is where I’ll get the most bang for my buck or the most score increase per hour of studying.

So what about you? Did you (or do you) find that studying for the GMAT is easy? Do you have to force yourself to sit down and trudge through the material or do you skip home from work singing merrily with thoughts of GMAT problems dancing in your head? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section.

-brent [airforcetomba@wordpress.com]

Kaplan Giveaway Finalists!

2010-05-31T12:28:00.001-07:00

Thanks to everyone that submitted for the Kaplan GMAT course giveaway! We have three finalists in the running and the winner will be announced and contacted at the end of the day. But first, help us in congratulating these finalists! Read their individual stories below and write to them in the comments section.

Ashok Kadam
Victor Saad
Gelyn Watkins

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Finalist: Askok Kadam

Firstly I would like to thank you for giving this wonderful opportunity. Thank you!!

My name is Ashok Kadam and I am 25. I am a telecom consultant from India, helping the world's leading telcom service providers and consulting cost-effective solutions for their Business support systems(BSS). I have close to 4 years of progressive work experience in the telecom industry, having collaborated with customers in the Americas, Europe and Asia Pacific region.

Well, it has been more than 1.5 years since I seriously started my endeavour to get into top MBA program. Though you might argue I have already spent good amount of time, I believe that my destination(admission into top global b-school) is getting closer and closer. Since I am targetting for September 2011 intake, I am planning to schedule my GMAT test date in late July or early August 2010. I have short-listed few b-schools of my choice on the basis of smaller class size, shorter program length and access to top global MBA recruiters. Location is not a constraint at all.

My interest in business and commercial aspects of the telecom sector has continued to develop as my career progressed as an engineer to a consultant in the telecom industry. I think that technical expertise from professional experience before MBA, combined with business insights that I will attain through an MBA program, will lay a powerful foundation to shape my future career. Because I want to broaden my consulting and negotiating skills, build wider professional network, improve my business acumen, obtain business knowledge, skills and a framework that I can apply directly, I must go to a business school.

With a strong academic background in engineering studies, I am well equipped to be fit for business management studies. Most of the MBA programs have core concentrations in quantitative subjects such as Finance, Economics, Calculus, Statistics and Accounting and b-schools would be delighted to have strong engineering students like me apply to their MBA program. Moreover, I can certainly add value and diversity to a global business school classroom, considering the profile that beong to. I will continue to add value during my study period and thereafter in my consulting job post-MBA. My academic qualification in engineerring and progressive experience that I have gained in the industry have helped me to understand the potential problems and issues at the ground level, while MBA education will complement me in understanding the same problems and issues with a different angle highlighting the impact at a larger level in terms of revenues(profits/losses) to my organization.

Needless to say, there are myriad opportunities in technology and management consulting that are opening up in organizations for management graduates. For example, a telecom operator or a communication service provider will always require consultants who can identify future hot trends in the telecom sector, understand its business needs and identify areas of profits. Customer satisfaction is the key. The more the customer is satisfied, the better the relationship and better the profits for either party giving a win-win situation. I believe that an MBA program will guide me to drive things better than the best, thus leveraging increased customer satisfaction. Of course, these skills can be gained without going to a business school, but that is likely to be the case at the expense of more time and more years of work experience. Time waits for no man! I want to learn all those skills in my MBA program itself so that I can jump back into the industry with better productivity and efficiency.I would love to continue working in telecom industry and will be taking business consulting position to start with, post-MBA.

My first GMAT attempt was in Jan 2009 and that was an horrrible attempt. I had not enrolled into any kind of prep course. I had just self studied for one month and still hoped to achieve my dream score of 7XX. I ended up scoring just 600(Q-47;V-25;AWA-4.5). Though once bitten and twice shy, I don't think I am beaten by GMAT. I have retrospected my dismal performance in the first attempt and have come to conclusion that I am already a strong test taker but need an edge to do even better. I am confident that Kaplan's Advanced level prep course is an ideal course for me as it will help me focus on the most difficult GMAT content. Moreover, I haven't noticed any prep company other than Kaplan providing the most coveted and highly structured Advanced level prep course to an international candidate. Have you? ....Kaplan's Advanced (Live Online) GMAT prep course is an obvious choice for me.

I have attended couple of the Kaplan's GMAT Preview classes (Live online session) that were presented by Petros Minasi. I am fully convinced about faculty's unmatched expertise that provides excellent guessing strategies, excellent short-cut methods (which are very very necessary for an 800 test taker) along with insightful advice and motivation. Kaplan is the industry leaer in GAMT prep. No where else I can get more caring, dynamic instructors who are overwhelmingly dedicated to make sure its students succeed. Along with a top-scoring instructor and high-scoring peers, I will be certainly pushed to achieve the best.

It has been now almost two months that I restarted my GMAT prep. Self study and self review has certainly helped me to identify my strenths and weaknesses but I am unable to fix my weaknesses in an efficient manner. I strongly beleive Kaplan's prep course will help me to take control over my weak areas and further bolster my strong areas, thus filling in all the gaps required to break the 700 barrier. Kaplan's course will help me build up the content compentency, test taking strategies and the stamina, that are very much required to beat the GMAT.

Thank you MBA Podcaster!!

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Finalist: Victor Saad

Introduction

I’m a dreamer. Cartoons and video games probably had some influence early on. Then it was good people who were far more influential than they may ever know. My parents were both born and raised in Cairo, which set me up for an interesting, cultural upbringing in the States. I graduated from a High School in Southwest Missouri, moved to the campus of Moody Bible Institute in downtown Chicago and pursued a degree to work with middle school and high school students. During my time in the city I worked at more jobs than I can list, put Fabien Barthez to shame on our soccer field, dabbled in class presidency, catalyzed several volunteer service projects, and caused trouble--lots of trouble.

Now, you'll find me serving on the student team of Christ Community Church in the West Suburbs of Chicago. My role is to aid with the direction of weekly programs and annual events for a group of 700+ students and equip people in our community to become fantastic mentors. I also serve as an Assistant Creative Director (event planning, print design, marketing, managing social media, etc) and aid with the management & utilization of a 40,000 sq foot student building.

Also, this past March, I led a group of friends and young business professionals to begin our first non-profit venture entitled The Prop. The Prop takes the posture of seeing the good in and around our world. It then seeks to propagate the impact of those people and organizations by facilitating connection for greater good. Currently we’re working to connect artists and art-lovers with humanitarian organizations to raise awareness, resources, and increased engagement to solve significant problems. We are building our team, and preparing for our first events at the end of this summer while also pursuing a grant through Pepsi’s Refresh Everything campaign. Feel free to visit www.vimeo.com/theprop to see the picture of what we are trying to accomplish.

Why an MBA?

1.) Tools. Everything I currently know about business, I have learned through trial and error (lots of error). Though jumping in the deep end is a great way to learn how to swim, there are a few things that I believe a classroom setting would contribute that I am unable to efficiently learn on my own.

2.) Networks. I learn best in community. Asking questions, building relationships, and working alongside like-minded people would contribute greatly in my current pursuits and future endeavors.

3.) Becoming a valuable asset within the Non-profit world. It’s true, I want to change the world—not jut talk about it. There are amazing ideas, people, and organizations that are involved with changing the world for the better. A degree like this would give me the tools, networks, and credibility to work alongside senior leadership of such organizations and/or have the ability to start sustainable, scalable movements of change.

4.) The girls. Duh.

Possible Concentrations: Entrepreneurship & Innovation. Social Enterprise. Human Resources. International Business.

Application Process & Need for Kaplan?

I’ve been in contact with men and women whom I’d like to work with or work for and have taken their advice on next steps, which schools to attend, etc. More specifically, I have visited and attended a lecture at the University of Chicago and have met with alumni from Kellogg to discuss possible majors. I am now collecting references, revamping my resume, and pursuing best ways to study for the GMAT.

Since my time is split between a full time job and an exciting social entrepreneurship venture, a GMAT course like Kaplan would give me the focus and the skill sets needed to achieve a sufficient score on the GMAT. This would, in turn, pave the way to attend the caliber of school I’m pursuing.

As for the financial need, let’s just say that my Yacht payment is killing me. But seriously, the application process for business school is expensive, and since I work for a non-profit, I will already be exploring how to live life with the minimum amount of organs. This kind of generous offer would help me immensely during this phase of preparation.

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Finalist: Gelyn Watkins

Almost two years ago, it occurred to me that I had been waiting for my life to begin. After spending over six

years working in the financial services industry and dedicating over six years of volunteer work with local nonprofits,

I realized that I wanted there to be little distance between my passions and my career. In June of 2008,

in the midst of a burgeoning recession, I decided to confront my fears and my ambitions, and I resigned from

my position as an Investment Analyst in order to pursue a career in community and economic development.

I expected the transition to economic development to be simple since I was a business professional with

extensive volunteer work and a quantitative background; however, I was wrong. I did not fully assess the

magnitude of the economic downtown. With many non-profits struggling to remain in operation due to

funding cuts, would be positions remained unfilled. Additionally, many non-profits focusing on economic

development were looking for candidates with either extensive experience or an MBA.

Inspired by the idea that people, once given needed resources and skills, can transform their lives and affect

positive change in the communities in which they live, I aim to use my background and skills to create a model

as to how we may build economically viable communities using economic and educational initiatives. The next

logical question: What might this look like? Should this be another non-profit model?

With various ways to address economic and community development, from venture philanthropy funds,

education, public policy to local economic initiatives (job skills training, micro-lending, affordable housing etc.),

I need to explore some of these ideas and look to current research in the private and social sector that may

support or provide direction in answering either of the above questions.

The best place to grapple with some of these questions and ideas is within a business school context. In

business school, I can leverage the school’s resources, professors, research centers and schools within the

university, coursework, real world projects, and peers, in trying to form the best strategy or model (idea, or

non-profit etc.) for building sustainable communities.

In the fall of 2008, I began my research on business schools while volunteering with two different community

development organizations. I have spent the past two years, attending business school fairs, interviewing

current MBA candidates and recent graduates, I have also identified my preferred schools and have begun

writing some of the essays. At this point, the only obstacle left is the GMAT.

In order for me to successfully conquer the GMAT and be eligible for any of the top MBA programs with a

concentration in non-profit management and social enterprise, I cannot rely on a self-directed study plan. The

chance to experience the Kaplan GMAT course would afford me a better opportunity to perform well on the

GMAT. Moreover, Kaplan is one of the premier test preparation companies with proven test strategies and a

long history of helping students achieve the results needed to gain entry into a business school of his or her

choice.

Pointers from the ESADE Full Time Info Session

2010-05-28T15:06:00.000-07:00

Big thanks to Ashok K. for sharing this info he sent to us from the ESADE Full Time program info session. ESADE is located in the beautiful and vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. If you are considering an international MBA, this may be a good option for you! Make sure you also check out our Day In The Life show for ESADE.

Here are some screen shots from the ESADE Full Time program info session sent to us by Ashok:

Information about the LEAD Program (Leadership Assessment and Development), occurs every September.

For questions about ESADE, email mba@esade.edu.

Top International Business Schools Coming to a City Near You!

2010-05-26T15:30:00.000-07:00

Business school touring season is quickly approaching! If you are an international applicant, you may want to check out one of Access MBA's upcoming events. Here are some details about the upcoming Access MBA International Tour:

The Access MBA One-to-One Tour is a series of targeted events focused on high quality, personalised services for MBA candidates. This event gives qualified and motivated professionals the opportunity to meet with top internationally accredited business schools. Ongoing MBA, GMAT, TOEFL and Career counselling helps candidates with general MBA and career issues as well as orients them towards the schools and opportunities of interest at the event.

PARIS – June 12

TORONTO – June 18

NEW YORK – June 22

Access MBA events offer prospective MBA students the following personalized services:

• One-to-One meetings and workshops with the world’s best MBA programs

• Interactive Panel Discussions with school representatives and alumni

• Individual MBA consulting sessions and GMAT advising

• More information here

Let us know if you plan on going! We'd love to hear about your experience in the comments section! :)

EMBA Admissions Panel: The Low Down on Three Unique Programs

2010-05-20T12:39:00.000-07:00

You are considering an MBA that will allow you to keep working while you build your career skill set at the same time and you wonder if the EMBA is right for you. And then of course there's the question of which program should you apply to. I've been working on an upcoming MBA Podcaster live show titled "EMBA Admissions Panel: Debunking Myths and Understanding the EMBA." In the podcast, three admissions deans from top Executive MBA programs tell you the truth about EMBA's, give you the skinny on their programs and advice on getting in.

The live panel was moderated and organized by Betsy Massar, the founder & CEO of Master Admissions and the three admissions deans were

Marjorie DeGraca – Executive Director of Admissions, Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA Program;
Sylvia Haas - Director of Admissions for the EMBA program, UCLA Anderson School of Management; and
John Lyon – Director, Wharton MBA Program for Executives, San Francisco.

Each of the schools had an opportunity to talk about what is unique to their programs.

Lyon of Wharton-San Francisco, says that his program is equivalent in hours to a full-time MBA program, but it's really the faculty relationship with the students that make this a unique opportunity.

"Our faculty are flying out from Philadelphia and one of the - we've had these kind of unexpected benefits of the program and one of them was faculty in residence. And it really developed some incredibly strong relationships between our students and our faculty and we've seen some faculty sitting on boards with students and really working with them on their companies and really having long lasting friendships with a number of our students because they are in the hotel, because they are at meals with the students, they don't have kind of a home or an office to go to when class is over so it's a really unique experience similar to the building."

Haas of UCLA explained that students attending the Anderson EMBA program have many options.

"There is an entrepreneurial track, there's a finance track, there's a marketing track. There's also a sustainability certificate that's just been around a short [while] and we have the advanced management certification as well. The tracks are very different. The other thing that's different - that the blocks have allowed us to do exclusive with EMBAs - is [that] we have exchange programs with six international universities. And if you will pick this [brochure] up before you leave you're going to be able to see at the bottom of the center, the choices, some of the study courses as well as the electives that you would take as an exchange student.... Our students usually elect to go to China. This year they'll go to Hong-Beijing and then with a follow-up trip to Hong Kong."

DeGraca of the Berkeley-Columbia EMBA says that you get two MBA's from her program.
The classes are taught 50 percent by Columbia faculty and 50 percent from Berkeley because at the end of the day you are actually earning two degrees, one from each school. And so even though the majority of the classes are held on the Berkeley campus the Columbia faculty are flying here to teach you, which is just a great benefit and you know, these are world class faculty from both schools that are coming here to spend time with you and to teach you.

Learn more about the three EMBA programs, potential misconceptions about EMBA programs - like 'you get a reduced work load' or 'EMBA students do not intend to change jobs or careers', and tips for a successful applicationin our upcoming show.

Air Force to MBA: By Brent M.

2010-05-20T12:19:00.001-07:00

Here's an introductory post from another MBA Podcaster guest blogger, Brent Mundie. Brent comes from the Air Force and is working his way toward an MBA. Follow along with Brent's blog posts on MBAPodcaster.com, as he works his way through the MBA application process. Got questions for Brent? Email him at airforcetomba@gmail.com. Please join us in welcoming Brent to the team!

______________________________

Just a man in search of a mission – that’s all.

My name is Brent and I’m in the infancy of my MBA process. “Process” seems like such an industrial word to describe something that should be so connected to the soul. I wonder sometimes if I’m putting too much emotional stock into my business school experience, but I digress.

I’m a husband and father of two with one goal in mind: (cliché alert!) to find what I’m passionate about. Since I still owe the Air Force two years for paying for my master’s degree, I have plenty of time to be as introspective as I choose. Some days my self-awareness meter pegs the red line, and other times I stumble around in a directionless fog. What do I want to be when I grow up? That’s the $50,000/year question.

After turning down my appointments to West Point and the AF Academy because I didn’t want to be in the military, I landed at the University of Tennessee only to stumble back into the ROTC detachment 2 years later. The military to MBA path seems perfect for would-be private industry leaders. Military officers are given huge responsibility early in their careers which allows them to learn valuable lessons about motivating others and understanding themselves. These are far more important skills to undergird a 40-year career than how to analyze a company’s capital structure or how to build a marketing strategy. I think it’s preposterous to even entertain the notion that business schools build leaders, but more on this in a future post.

So after 6 years as a physicist for the Air Force, I’ve learned a lot about people (most notably the person in the mirror). The most action-inducing factoid was the brick-to-the-forehead realization that I don’t like being a physicist. And this is a really important point: I had never put together the fact that being good at something does not mean it is right for you or that you’ll like it. I’ve always been good at math and science and so I never considered the possibility that being good at something is relatively meaningless. If you don’t like it, you won’t be successful. 5 years of utter misery – we’re talking gut-wrenching dread – every time I thought about my school work wasn’t enough to tip off my pea-sized brain that science wasn’t a good career path for me. So I stammered along, eking out a 3.0, not realizing I was supposed to be looking for something that didn’t feel so laborious. College is supposed to be 4 years of open self-exploration, but it was completely lost on me because like Forrest Gump says “I didn’t know I was supposed to be looking.”

Luckily the Air Force paid for my Master’s degree, where I was given a little more freedom to explore, and I was head-butted with the same brick – my analytical panache, strategic thinking, and well-developed people skills would be perfect for the business world. Classes were more fulfilling and enjoyable than they’d ever been despite the monumental workload of a demanding job and a demanding family life. Fast forward through 2 degrees, 6 years of professional experience, and untold soul-searching and we come to the current plan – getting out of the Air Force and pursuing a tier 1 MBA. I’m not the first to use this path and I won’t be the last, but it’s my only shot at it. It’s immensely more than a box to check to get ahead in my career.

Please join me as we wade through the deep and murky waters of an unpredictable journey. I’ll also be blogging at airforcetomba.wordpress.com and can be reached at airforcetomba@gmail.com.

BIG NEWS! $1,500 Kaplan GMAT Course Giveaway!

2010-05-19T13:35:00.000-07:00

For many MBA candidates, taking a GMAT test prep course is the only way they will be able to achieve a competitive score on the GMAT to put them in the running for a top MBA program. If you didn't get a chance to check out our last newsletter that included a variety of GMAT test prep resources, click here to see what you missed.

Today, we are extremely excited to announce that we will be giving away a free Kaplan GMAT Test Prep course to one lucky person! The value of this course is nearly $1,500! But winning this prize won't be as easy as winning our First Friday Freebies.

To be eligible to win, you must be an MBA applicant and submit a short essay introducing yourself, explaining where you are in the MBA application process, why you want to go to business school and why you would benefit from Kaplan's GMAT course. Entries should be between 500-1,000 words. We will be posting all qualifying entries on our public blog at www.mbapodcaster.com/blog.

Entries will be accepted through Friday, May 28th until 11:59 p.m. PST (US). Our judges at MBA Podcaster will then choose a winner who will be announced and contacted Monday, May 31st. Judging will be based on uniqueness, need and writing style. The winner's GMAT course will then begin promptly in June.

Please note: The winner of the course will be required to keep a weekly journal on our blog throughout the duration of the Kaplan GMAT course. You'll get the opportunity to share your experience with Kaplan and your MBA application process with our audience.

To enter, email your essay to vanessa@mbapodcaster.com by Friday, May 28th. Please remember to include your contact information and your current city. Even if you aren't an MBA applicant, please share this exciting news with your friends that are!

Good luck!

EMBA Admissions Panel: Is Company Sponsorship A Must?

2010-05-18T14:58:00.000-07:00

You've decided to get your MBA, but you don't want to quit your job. So you are considering an MBA that will allow you to keep working while developing these skills at the same time and you wonder if the EMBA is right for you. I've been working on an upcoming MBA Podcaster live show titled "EMBA Admissions Panel: Debunking Myths and Understanding the EMBA." In the podcast, three admissions deans from top Executive MBA programs tell you the truth about EMBA's, give you the skinny on their programs and advice on getting in.

The live panel was moderated and organized by Betsy Massar, the founder & CEO of Master Admissions and the three admissions deans who participated were

Marjorie DeGraca – Executive Director of Admissions, Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA Program;
Sylvia Haas - Director of Admissions for the EMBA program, UCLA Anderson School of Management; and
John Lyon – Director, Wharton MBA Program for Executives, San Francisco.

Massar asked how important company sposorships are for eligibilty for an executive MBA.

Lyon of Wharton-San Francisco, says that in his program, students are split evenly into three groups.

"About a third of our students are getting significant funding so anywhere from 50 percent and beyond. About a third are getting somewhere between, you know, that 50 to 50 a year up to that 50 percent and another third are paying for it completely on their own, so it is across the board in terms of sponsorship. it is different from our East Coast program where they traditionally and still to this day run probably at about 60 to 70 percent significant funding."

DeGraca of the Berkeley-Columbia EMBA says that company sponsorship is more than financial.

"For our program we require that a letter be included that says your company is aware that you are attending this program so it's a time sponsorship thing. So don't get concerned if you see in any of our applications that there's a sponsorship component. We're evaluating that to just make sure your employers are aware that you are attending this program because many of our programs and ours maybe more particular you're going to be missing you are going to be missing some Thursdays and Fridays to be coming to class."

Learn more about other potential misconceptions about EMBA programs - like 'you get a reduced work load' or 'EMBA students do not intend to change jobs or careers' or and what the admissions directors have to say about their programs and how to be admitted in our upcoming show.

EMBA Admissions Panel: Do You Need To Be An Exec?

2010-05-17T22:30:00.000-07:00

You work and love your job, but you want more of a leadership position. Or you are an entrepreneur who has some great ideas, but could use some help with leadership and management skills. So you are considering an MBA that will allow you to keep working while developing these skills at the same time. I've been working on an upcoming MBA Podcaster live show titled "EMBA Admissions Panel: Debunking Myths and Understanding the EMBA." In the podcast, three admissions deans from top Executive MBA programs tell you the truth about EMBA's, give you the skinny on their programs and advice on getting in.

The live panel was moderated and organized by Betsy Massar, the founder & CEO of Master Admissions. The first question Betsy asked and you should too if you're wondering if you should even look at a particular program is "do you have to be an executive to apply or participate in an EMBA program."

Sylvia Haas is the Director of Admissions for the EMBA program at UCLA Anderson School of Management. She says leadership potential is important.

"We do take a look at people who have made some strides in their career before applying for the Executive MBA because we're a believer that past performance will predict future behavior. And then you add an MBA on to that and you've got a great candidate and a great alum. We ...start executive MBA students in the cradle and we won't talk about how far we watch them but certainly through years and years of being an alumni."

Haas clarified whether or not you need the executive title in your job description, like executive vice president or executive director.

"No, but what we do look at, and also letters of recommendation usually make this very clear, because we find out things in letters of recommendation that add to your career progression after graduation. So we know from the interview from the app and the essays and the letters of recommendation exactly where the career path is leading you and it's going to be someone that has their sights set on, they're already an executive, but there's those managers that want to go to that executive level and we're the perfect program for that. EMBA programs are perfect for that."

Learn more about other potential misconceptions about EMBA programs and what the other admissions directors have to say about their programs in our upcoming show. Other guests on the show include:

John Lyon – Director, Wharton MBA Program for Executives, San Francisco

Marjorie DeGraca – Executive Director of Admissions, Berkeley-Columbia Executive MBA Program

Why I chose to do my MBA abroad ?

2010-05-06T08:25:00.000-07:00

Image: Dan

In the last post, I shared a brief profile of mine. In this post, I will share my reasoning behind choosing to do my MBA in USA.

While I was in my final year of engineering I had taken the Common Admission Test (CAT) which is the Indian equivalent of GMAT to get admission into the coveted IIMs (Indian Institute of Management - top b schools of India). I scored 98.5 % percentile and got shortlisted by one of the IIMs. But at that stage with no work experience in my kitty, I was bit hesitant about the value of getting an MBA at that point of time. I felt its better to work for couple of years to get some practical exposure to the corporate world and then go for an MBA. And then I joined Mozy Bangalore team as software engineer and loved my work. While working in Bangalore, I also jumped into the adventure of founding the Bangalore professional chapter of Net Impact - an international non profit organization which uses the business skills to make world a better place. My experience of founding and leading Net Impact Bangalore redefined my aspiration for meaningful leadership and also gave a good international exposure.

With these experiences in my kitty, I felt prepared to make the next big move - MBA. By that time I had made up my mind to study my MBA in an US B school. And the reasons were twofold. One is the international exposure - When it comes to exposure, diversity and opportunities on plate, US definitely can claim a top spot. I was convinced that the kind of international experience which a US MBA can offer will definitely leave me enriched. Secondly, my need to go out of my comfort zone and stretch myself as a person. I am a kind of person who loves new experiences. Being in my home all my life , getting pampered by my parents everyday I think I have enjoyed being in my comfort zone for long enough time.But I feel its very important to come out your comfort zone often so that you expand your limits. And for me, I can be anything but static !!! MBA outside India = 2 years out of my comfort zone. Two years of MBA, therefore, would also mean a lot more to me. I would learn to be on my own and by being out of my comfort zone.

So that briefs on why I chose to do an MBA abroad. In the next post, I will talk about my experiences of being an international applicant, especially belonging to the ultra competitive Indian applicant pool and many more aspects of my MBA application journey.I hope sharing my journey will help other international applicants to US B-schools.

MBA Podcaster is Looking for Guest Bloggers!

2010-05-05T14:37:00.000-07:00

Are you currently applying for business school or have you already been accepted? Maybe you are a current business school student or alum? If you have ever been through the MBA application process, we want to hear your story!

Send a couple paragraphs about your business school application journey to info@mbapodcaster.com. We'll post your story on our web site and then send you one of the latest business titles from Crown Books as a gift for your contribution! We have titles including The 10 Laws of Enduring Success, Rework, and Getting Organized in the Google Era. To help provide direction, consider writing us about one of the following topics:

• How I prepared for the GMAT; My GMAT experience

• How I chose the right schools to apply to

• My application essay prompts and how I tackled them

• My admissions interview

• How I planned for a b-school visit

• Why I chose "XXX" School

Our audience will love to hear your story, no matter where you are in the application process. If you prefer, we can keep your post anonymous, and we'll STILL send you a free gift! For questions, write to info@mbapodcaster.com.

Jhaymee's EMBA Journey

2010-05-04T11:35:00.000-07:00

We would like to welcome Jhaymee, another one of MBA Podcaster's long-time listeners as our newest guest blogger! Jhaymee will be starting her EMBA program at Goizueta Business School at Emory University. She has a background in green project management. Jhaymee will be a regular blogger on MBAPodcaster.com to tell us about her business school experience and provide her tips on how to successfully navigate the EMBA program. Here is her introductory post:

It’s a great time to be a blogger, and I’m thrilled that MBA Podcaster is providing me the opportunity to write a regular blog about my future Executive MBA journey. It is a treat to contribute to a blog that has provided so many candidates and MBA enthusiasts with advice on how to pursue an MBA. I’m truly thankful to be considered part of the MBA Podcaster Team, and I look forward to sharing my journey with you.

I have always been an ambitious professional, always looking for ways to improve my education and experience in order to accelerate my career. For four years, I dreamt of being accepted into an MBA program, and joined organizations such as MBADiversity and Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) to learn more about the entire process and to network with other candidates. However, something always held me back. There was always something more important that took precedence than pursuing the MBA. I never quite felt that I was “good enough” to get into a top program. So I focused those years on strengthening my candidacy, taking masters-level business courses, strengthening my networks, and finding a mentor that could coach and guide me through the process. In the spring of this year, I was accepted into the W. Cliff Oxford Executive MBA Program at the Goizueta Business School of Emory University. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Emory community, and I look forward to beginning my studies in August.

Here’s a little bit of info about me: Currently, I am an IT Project Manager by day and blogger by night. I am deeply passionate about project management, as it is garnering significant attention as one of the most essential skill sets for business professionals in every industry. In February of this year, I started my personal blog called The Green PM, which focuses on providing new or “green” project managers with sound advice and tidbits on becoming strategic leaders, and also discusses the importance of “green” sustainability in today’s marketplace. I participate actively in discussions regarding the future of project management on Twitter and Facebook, and I’m a self professed social media noob. I hold a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Finance from Virginia Tech, a Master of Science Degree in Project Management from The George Washington University, and five leading certifications in project management including the PMP. When I’m not juggling all of my hobbies, I love traveling abroad, learning about new cultures, and wine tasting (yum!). One day, I hope to become a Master of Wine and have my own wine travel show on the Food Network. A girl can dream right?

I hope that this blog will serve as a resource for prospective Executive MBA candidates to learn more about my journey, including the application process and the life of an EMBA student. I plan to share my story through The Light Bulb Series, a feature on my blog which aims to bring visibility to how an MBA can help project managers in their careers. I also hope that this blog inspires women in all facets of business to consider an MBA degree, and how the Executive MBA can be a viable option while managing a family and career.

Thanks to the MBA Podcaster team for allowing me to share my insights and my journey with your readers. Please feel free to connect with me on Linkedin. Good luck to all!

Questions for Jhaymee? Write it in the comments section!

Shobana's GMAT Adventure and Advice

2010-05-03T10:03:00.000-07:00

Shobana Sankaran, one of MBA Podcaster's loyal fans, wrote us a great story about her GMAT experience and the key pieces of advice she offers to anyone gearing up for the GMAT. Take it from someone who took advantage of multiple test prep companies and scored well!

How I Prepared for the GMAT: By Shobana Sankaran

I ended up taking not one but two test prep courses (over two years). We won't get into why I did that, but I strongly endorse Manhattan GMAT for it's outstanding Strategy Guides, especially Number Properties and Sentence Corrections! I know I will refer to them in the future as well. The following year I took the Advanced Kaplan GMAT course (the Advanced course is a faster paced version of the regular course for those scoring above 600) - I think these course materials are excellent as well, but I believe my "fundamentals" in tackling GMAT questions were strong due to Manhattan. Having said that, I don't think you will go wrong in choosing either of these test prep companies. The main personal take-away for me was that it's very important to be scoring in the range of your score goal for at least 4-5 practice tests BEFORE the real exam. That is, don't expect to make a 750 (for example) on the real exam if you have not exceeded 710 on any of the practice tests (I would always discount my practice test score a little bit, by say 20 points, because my biggest problem during the actual test is controlling nervousness - which if you have, too, have no choice but to attack head-on). On the other hand, if you have been scoring at least 750 at least twice on practice tests, there is a real good chance of hitting that score on the actual exam.

Shortcuts, shortcuts -- all the shortcuts you will learn with any test prep company are tremendously useful on the real exam. I didn't think so when I first started learning the shortcuts in Kaplan, but they were actually really useful time savers. Finally, on the real exam, I stepped out during the break to use the rest room - I had timed myself really well and was sure not to exceed the 10 minute break deadline - but it turned out (to my dismay) that I lost about one and a half minutes on the next section because of my extended break. It's difficult to catch up, but don't get extra nervous thinking that you have little time (just internalize it and move on with the test - and try to be fast on the first few questions). Better yet, don't let this happen to you - be sure you make it back to the testing area within 10 minutes! Best of luck to all of you. Practice, practice, practice!!

Shobana Sankaran

Questions for Shobana? Write it in the comments section!

If you have a great GMAT or business school application story to tell us, write to info@mbapodcaster.com and we'll send you your choice of a free business resource book from Crown Books!

Introducing new MBA Podcaster blogger - Madhurya Prakash

2010-04-27T21:26:00.000-07:00

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

By Madhurya Prakash

I feel excited as I write my first blog entry for the MBA podcaster blog. Just a year back I was an MBA applicant with dreams about getting admissions into an international MBA program. I was a sincere listener of MBA Podcaster's shows and derived a whole lot of useful information from those podcasts. Now, I see it as an honor to be a part of MBA Podcaster team and contributor to MBA podcaster blog.

A short introduction about me: I am a young career woman from Bangalore, India; I will be starting my full time MBA at Tepper school of Business, Carnegie Mellon University this fall. I have been selected as the Forte Fellow by Tepper school of Business, something which I am really excited about.

About my background, I am a software engineer by training, Social Entrepreneur by passion. Being born in a family which highly valued education and being passionate about learning, I always excelled in my studies right from the school education to my bachelors degree. I hold a Bachelors of Engineering degree in Computer Science engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University, India. I also have formal training in Indian classical music and my interests range from subjects like technology, management to activities like traveling, cooking and cycling. You can check out my Linked In Profile here.

When I started my MBA Application process, I felt like sharing my journey through a blog and this had a twofold purpose. One, it was an opportunity for me to express myself and record my journey to my dream destination – MBA. Second, it was my chance to share what I have learnt in my journey with the fellow applicants so that they can benefit from my learning. So that is when I started blogging my journey to MBA. (To check out my full journey, check out my blog at http://mad-bubbles.blogspot.com). Starting from now, I will be writing regular posts on this blog to share my experiences about MBA applications and also about my life @ Tepper.

I thank MBA Podcaster team for giving me this wonderful platform to share my perspectives with MBA Podcaster readers. Please leave your thoughts in the comments.

Day in the Life: VA Tech EMBA

2010-04-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

Last month, I was a fly on the wall for a Day in the Life of the Virginia Tech EMBA program in Falls Church, Virginia. It's an 18-month program, with classes every other weekend, for professionals with at least seven years of their career under their belts and current full-time jobs. I arrived with the students on Friday at noon, and spent the day and evening going to classes, chatting with students and faculty, and doing interviews. The program is unique for its approach to technology (a partnership with Apple means students have access to the latest Mac laptops, communications aids like iChat, and other technology tools), its diversity, and its "Capstone Experience" - an international field trip to study a mature market and an emerging market. The just-graduated cohort had recently returned from its trip to Hong Kong and Vietnam. To find out more, check out the podcast in our "Day in the Life" series, due to go live in about a week.

Standing Out Among the Outstanding: Recession, Competition, and Business School Admissions

2010-04-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

One of the strongest messages to emerge from the distinguished panel on the Microsoft campus in June is the importance of networking. Another powerful message is to highlight your passions in your MBA school applications – you want your individuality to shine.

You can hear the wisdom of the 2nd Annual MBA Panel – on many topics -- at www.MBAPodcaster.com in just a few days when the show is released. The program is Standing Out Among the Outstanding: Recession, Competition, and Business School Admissions, assembled by "Africans at Microsoft."

The panel includes Scott Shrum, the Director of MBA Admissions Research at Veritas Prep, Barbara Thomas, President and CEO of the National Black MBA Association, and Cassandra Pittman, Assistant Director of Marketing at INSEAD. There are also two “experts-in-our-midst” whom Moderator Chika Ekeji called on frequently to round out the conversation. They are Bryan Tomlinson and first-year MBA student Edward Gali, both representing the University of Washington, home to the Michael G. Foster School of Business.

While Scott Shrum opened with the trouble many students, especially international, have been having financing their MBA education, the panel discussion focused mostly on the positives. For example, Bryan Tomlinson says students in the class of 2009 are great networkers, which will serve them well.

Cassandra Pittman frequently jumped in with excited comments, usually underscoring her persuasive remarks that the MBA is, maybe, two years out of your life, so if you have a few years leading up to B-School, live a passionate life, not one that will simply look good on a resume. Coming from the vantage point of a first year MBA student, Edward Gali suggested those in the auditorium to seek out people different from them.

And, Barbara Thomas urges students to focus on the three P’s – passion, purpose, and power.

The event wrapped with each giving personal tips for how to network -- worth the price of admission. And, they reminded the audience that networking is really about creating true friendships. Good advice for anyone, at any stage of a career.

Stay tuned to hear this show coming in a few days!

Getting Into Business School: MBA Podcaster Blog

Question From Listener: How to Respond to Wharton Interview Question

Pick the MBA Fair That's Right For You

Listener Question: Is Engineering & an MBA a Good Combo?

Is the MBA Obsolete?

Today we're sharing an excellent article from IMD business school about the role of the MBA degree in the global marketplace and its relevance in teaching students what they need to be successful on the job.

Is the MBA Obsolete? Maybe, unless it changes

THE SIX MONTH COUNTDOWN TO THE LONGER, MORE COMPLEX GRE IS ON

THE SIX MONTH COUNTDOWN TO THE LONGER,MORE COMPLEX GRE® IS ON

2011 MBA Applicants: Get a Jump Start on Your Applications!

Question from a Listener: Is an MBA Worth It?

Some schools say applicants who submit GMAT over GRE have advantage

With Tough Job Market, Grad Schools Expect Another Surge in Applicants

Admission to Top B-Schools is Now Easier

A Wild Ride Indeed

2010 Application Trends: EMBA Applications Up, Full-Time Down

Getting Behind

A Kaplan screenshot

A Good Online Instructor

Upcoming Events for MBA Applicants

Half Way

Higher Scores and Missed Classes

MBA Timeline: Take the GMAT Early

Week #3 of Kaplan GMAT Course

Kaplan Course Beginnings

MBA Timeline: Network, Network, Network

2010 USA MBA TOUR Events: Get ready to meet with TOP Business Schools! [VIDEO]

Save $$ On Your GMAT or GRE

MBA Timeline: How Long Do You Need For The Application Process

How to deal with homesickness

MBA Timeline: What To Do and When Should You Do It

Prequel to the Kaplan GMAT Course

How to Build the Best MBA Resume: The KISS Principle*

MBA = Leadership??

Your FREE Ticket to Destination: Business School Awaits! Value: $300

What One Idea Would Improve Graduate Management Education?

How to Build the Best MBA Resume: Show Results

Listen to the full podcast "Building the Best MBA Resume" here: http://www.mbapodcaster.com/MBA_MoreInfo/mba-application-resume.asp?iEpisode=114

MBA Application To Do List

How to Build the Best MBA Resume: Make it Easy to Read

How to Build the Best MBA Resume: Keep it Current

The Executive MBA Series - A Quick Look at the DO's and DON'Ts for the Executive MBA Resume

The Executive MBA from the Students Perspective: The Balancing Act

Breaking: GMAT to Add New Section to the Test in 2012

The EMBA from the Students Perspective: Access to Faculty

The Executive MBA from the Students Perspective: Work-School Synergy

MBA Pre-Matriculation Series - Part 1 - Getting your U.S. Non Immigrant Visa

GMAT Studying

Kaplan Giveaway Finalists!

Pointers from the ESADE Full Time Info Session

Top International Business Schools Coming to a City Near You!

EMBA Admissions Panel: The Low Down on Three Unique Programs

Air Force to MBA: By Brent M.

BIG NEWS! $1,500 Kaplan GMAT Course Giveaway!

EMBA Admissions Panel: Is Company Sponsorship A Must?

EMBA Admissions Panel: Do You Need To Be An Exec?

Why I chose to do my MBA abroad ?

MBA Podcaster is Looking for Guest Bloggers!

Jhaymee's EMBA Journey

Shobana's GMAT Adventure and Advice

Introducing new MBA Podcaster blogger - Madhurya Prakash

Day in the Life: VA Tech EMBA

Standing Out Among the Outstanding: Recession, Competition, and Business School Admissions

THE SIX MONTH COUNTDOWN TO THE LONGER,
MORE COMPLEX GRE® IS ON